According to an unconfirmed source, the Chicago Cubs could be interested in right-handed reliever Jose Veras. Veras is 33-years old and last played for the Houston Astros and Detroit Tigers. Veras started the 2013 season with the Astros and was traded mid-season to the Tigers.
In 2013, Veras had a 3.o2 earn run average in 62.2 innings pitched. Veras also walked 22 batters, while striking out 60.
The Cubs need bullpen pitchers and the interest in Veras could very well be true. But the report is considered unconfirmed. The Cubs bullpen struggled very bad last year and as of right now, the Cubs could go young next year. The Cubs will need another bullpen pitcher and Veras does make sense. The Cubs could possibly try to sign Veras to a 2-year contract.
If the Cubs were to sign Veras, he could come in and be the closer or set-up man. If he comes in as the set-up man. Pedro Strop would then be the closer. In the long run, I would give Strop the 1st chance to close and insert Veras as the set-up man.
Other notes:
*According to Peter Gammons, the Cubs will name their manager tomorrow (Thursday). The likely guy to be named in San Diego Padres’ bench coach Rick Renteria.
*The Cubs lost a coach of whom they wanted back. Dave McKay left to join the Arizona Diamondbacks. He took the same position with the D’backs and that is the 1st base coach.
*The Cubs are expected to bring back pitching coach Chris Bosio.
*According to Tim Dierkes, the Cubs have signed infielder Aaron Cunningham to a minor-league deal.