The Cubs faded faster than a Polaroid in direct sunlight this year, and a big part of that was because of a mismanaged and overextended bullpen. New manager Craig Counsell is known as a bullpen savant, which is probably why Jed Hoyer put on the full-court press to hire him a few weeks ago. Hoyer doesn’t like to spend a lot of money on relievers and Counsell always seems to get the most out of his pitching staff.
The Cubs have some intriguing arms that could flourish with Counsell at the helm. Adbert Alzolay is the obvious choice at the back end of the bullpen and he has the potential to be better than Devin Williams.