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Injuries to Matt Garza and Scott Baker have forced the Chicago Cubs to consider alternative options in their bullpen. The Cubs claimed Guillermo Moscoso off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays. Earlier this spring, the Kansas City Royals waived him. The Cubs must decide whether they give their last bullpen spot to Hisanori Takahashi, Cory Wade or Moscoso. Opening Day starts on Apr. 1.
It’s never encouraging when a team signs a reliever who’s coming off a season with a 6.12 ERA and 1.72 WHIP. Now let’s consider that the Royals released Moscoso after three appearances. This is the same team that claimed Chris Volstad off waivers this past offseason. For what it’s worth, the Royals dumped Volstad less than one month later.
Moscoso has endured a rough spring. In seven innings, Moscoso surrendered 15 hits, 10 earned runs, four home runs and three walks. He had a 12.86 ERA and 2.57 WHIP.
Why would the Cubs want a 29-year-old reliever with those kinds of numbers? His career numbers aren’t terrible. Since 2009, Moscoso has a career 4.16 ERA with a 1.30 WHIP. Some people may attribute his 2012 struggles to the Colorado Rockies. In 26.2 innings at hitter-friendly Coors Field, Moscoso had a 9.11 ERA and 2.03 WHIP. His numbers were much better away from there.
This signing is similar to Shawn Camp, who was claimed off waivers just days before the 2012 season started. Camp went on to have a strong season before an August implosion. He finished that season with a 3.59 ERA and 1.29 WHIP. Both numbers were much better than his career 4.29 ERA and 1.43 WHIP.
Maybe—just maybe—Moscoso can rediscover what made him so effective in 2011. Regardless, this proves that the Cubs need more depth in their farm system. Until then, expect more of these thrown darts, hoping that one sticks in a favorable spot.
Joshua Huffman is a contributor for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your LinkedIn and Google networks.
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