Cubs seek sturdy closer

Kevin Gregg apparently is out as the Cubs closer, but who will take his place?

Gregg surrendered four runs in two-thirds of an inning Monday in a back-breaking 4-1 loss at San Diego. The Cubs fell six games behind the St. Louis Cardinals, and time for a turnaround is running short.

“I think we are going to make some changes as far as what we’re going to do [in] late innings,” Cubs manager Lou Piniella told The Associated Press after the game. “We’ll see what we do. I’m going to think about it tonight.”

Gregg led the National League with nine blown saves for the Florida Marlins last season, and he has blown six save opportunities in 30 chances for the Cubs this year. In comparison, Cardinals closer Ryan Franklin has blown two save opportunities in 32 chances.

If Gregg is relegated to a set-up role, who will the Cubs turn to for the ninth inning? Carlos Marmol has nearly walked a batter per inning as the team's main set-up man, and he has four blown saves to go with four converted saves this season.

Right-handed reliever Angel Guzman is another possibility, with southpaw John Grabow available against tough left-handed hitters. Guzman is 2-2 with a 2.42 ERA this season, but he has only one save in 78 career appearances for the Cubs.

Piniella said he would think about his decision Monday night. Don't be surprised if the 65-year-old skipper has bags under his eyes Tuesday morning.

-Tom Musick