(670 The Score) This is when you spend for somebody like Craig Kimbrel -- or in this case possibly overspend.
The Cubs are "pushing hard" to sign the 31-year-old seven-time All-Star, as described on Twitter by Ken Rosenthal of the Athletic. His report was confirmed to 670 The Score by sources who added that the team was optimistic that a deal could be reached. The Cubs already have 11 blown saves that tie them for third in MLB in that category this season, and Kimbrel would immediately address the problem at the bullpen's back end, providing critical strikeouts that now correlate to success more than ever.
But not so fast, as several aspects of the potential acquisition remain up in the air.
First is the structure of the deal, as Kimbrel has reportedly been hunting for a multiple-year guarantee. It's possible the market has heated to this point, particularly now that he can be signed without forfeiting compensatory draft picks. One could argue that the Cubs still should do this, seeing that their window of contention remains open beyond just 2019.
But who is he at this point and what would they be buying? Kimbrel's walk rate shot up in 2018, and his fastball velocity dipped before recovering a bit later on. It's uncertain if that was just a blip or an expected aging trend, and it leads into the third question.
How long would it take him to be ready to face live big league hitters? Being in reasonable physical shape isn't the same as being game ready, and the fact that his four-seam fastball took that long to return to form while playing last year should concern whomever signs him.
And then there are the open-ended issues connected to this. Rosenthal also reported that the reason for the Cubs' change of heart regarding available free-agent spending could be money freed up by not having to pay infielder/outfielder Ben Zobrist, who remains on an indefinite leave of absence for personal reasons to handle divorce proceedings. Zobrist is unpaid while on the restricted list, and it's fair to wonder if the Cubs expect he's done, which would make around $9 million available already or soon.
The latest news from reliever Brandon Morrow also isn't good, as last year's closer is still at the phase of flat-ground catch with no announced timetable for a return, not even back to a mound. It's becoming increasingly likely that any contribution from him whatsoever would be gravy, assuming none at all.
It's an environment that would justify throwing too much money at Kimbrel, hoping he's still close to what he was and can be revved up to game readiness soon enough to be of real value.
Dan Bernstein is a co-host of 670 The Score's Bernstein & McKnight Show in middays. You can follow him on Twitter @dan_bernstein.
