Chicago Cubs: Three unthinkable moves that must be made

Move Number One: Keep Pedro Strop at Closer

The Cubs made a great move last offseason in signing Brandon Morrow.

In his first season as a closer, Morrow has done as well as anyone could’ve imagined.

There’s a catch: Morrow hasn’t been able to stay on the field. Morrow has appeared in 35 games this season, saving 22 games, but Morrow has been on the disabled list three times and is still on the 10-day DL as we speak.

The problem is simple- Morrow has been overworked. With the Los Angeles Dodgers last season, Morrow set a World Series record by pitching in all seven games.

As the closer, Morrow should be called on around three times per week. Obviously, Morrow can’t handle the workload.

Enter Pedro Strop.

Strop has filled in for Morrow while he’s been shelved, and has done a spectacular job, pitching to a 2.74 ERA and saving eight games.

Strop, unlike Morrow, is used to being a frequently used, high-leverage reliever. Strop made 69 appearances last season, as well as 76 in 2015. Strop has made more than 50 appearances in every season with the Cubs.

Additionally, Strop has done a great job in the closer role. His hard fastball and sharp slider serve him well for the role, and his success speaks for itself.

The Cubs simply can’t risk another Morrow injury. While easing Morrow back into a postseason-type workload once he returns, the Cubs must keep Strop as the closer, at least until October.