Kevin Gregg

Manager Lou Piniella didn't realize the Cubs had blown 11 saves in 26 chances entering Wednesday, putting their save percentage at 58 -- third-worst in the National League. What he did notice was the six home runs allowed by closer Kevin Gregg, the most by a Cubs full-time reliever.

''One thing about this young man, he gives up a lot of home runs in the closer spot,'' Piniella said before the game against the Detroit Tigers -- a day after Gregg blew his third save by serving up a two-run, walkoff home run to pinch-hitter Ryan Raburn. ''Look, you don't like to see that out of your closer too much, I'm going to be honest with you. Usually when you give up home runs late like that, they end games.''

''Look, I didn't say we were going to make any changes,'' he said. ''I didn't say that I'm contemplating making any changes. But I am saying, late in the game, you've got to keep that ball in the ballpark if you want to have a lot of success in these shorter roles.''

Chicago Sun Times

Aramis Ramirez at least 2 weeks away

Okay, so when I said that my Last Minute Shuffle would be the last Spot * On blog before the start of the MLB Season, I was lying. So sue me. I've been fascinated with closers for some time now (no, I don't mean Kyra Sedgwick), how people obsess over them, when to draft them, their role both in baseball and in fantasy, and how to utilize them most effectively in general. The polar opposing opinions that exist are stifling, if not fun to read. I want to take a look at a good number of 9th inning men today, as well as who I'm avoiding and targeting for Saves this season; and my picks may surprise you...

Lou Piniella picked Kevin Gregg to be the team's closer heading into the season. Gregg beat out Carlos Marmol, the Cubs' top setup man last year. They both spent spring training vying to replace All-Star closer Kerry Wood, who signed with Cleveland during the offseason.

"Gregg came in here and hasn't given up a run all spring," Piniella said Sunday. "I think leaving spring training, we're a better team the way we've put this thing together."

its probably okay to let Kevin Gregg go now. Even if Gregg somehow makes it back with say a week and a half to go, that roster spot will be better served for something else down the stretch. Unless of course you totally desperate for saves, then maybe ..  other wise, I say cut the cord.