I don't see what has happened with Grabow and Caridad. I really hope this is something they get over, but the Cubs offense wasn't playing too well on the road trip and the starters were just doing a fantastic job (exception: Carlos Zambrano). For any of that to matter, the bullpen needs to do their job even if they don't get the big thanks for it. As we saw, the Cubs were unable to do that. I haven't seen a stretch like that for the Cubs ever, where the bullpen blows it three out of five nights in the 7th or later. Hopefully I won't see that again.
I had confidence in this bullpen heading into the season. Actually, I still do. This was just a wake up call, and it should stay that way to all Cub fans. The bullpen is young, and young instability is not really a problem the Cubs have had to deal with in the last few years. Thankfully, we are young now but we need to be able to hand the ball to someone who can get outs. This is not easy with young guys. One night, Caridad might be firing fastballs past everyone, and the next night he's serving up meat balls obliterated all around the park. Marmol could strike out the side, or he could walk the bases loaded and force in runs. The main idea with all of this is that not too much should be expected from the bullpen, although there is plenty of upside.
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