With only four days remaining in January, there are numerous big league players trying to find a job for the upcoming season. The Cubs are looking to add to the backend of their bullpen … and a reliever with a good track record has expressed interest in the Chicago Cubs.
According to a report from the Tribune, Joe Nelson would like to pitch on the North Side in Twenty-Ten. The 35-year old right-hander posted a 3-0 record with a 4.02 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP in 42 games with the Rays last season. In two seasons in the Senior Circuit, Nelson is 3-1 in 61 games with a 3.21 EA and a 1.30 WHIP. Joe Nelson is a free agent and earned $1.3 million in 2009.
Joe Nelson pitched better on the road (2-0 in 23 games with two saves, one blown … a 3.74 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP) than at home (1-0 in 19 games with a save … a 4.34 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP) last season.
Right-handers hit .216 against him in 2009 with a .250 BABIP while lefties hit .212 with a .219 BABIP. Righties have hit .237 against Nelson in his career with a .289 BABIP … lefties, .215 with a .257 BABIP.
For his career, Nelson is 2-1 in 75 games with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP at home. On the road, 5-1 in 74 games with a 3.69 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP. Nelson has pitched for Atlanta, Boston, Kansas City, Florida and Tampa Bay.
Joe Nelson finished 13 games in 2009 and 20 in 2008 with four saves in the past two season.
Nelson’s strikeout to walk ratio is a little concerning, 1.86 (145 strikeouts to 78 walks in 143 2/3 innings) but he has served up only 18 home runs in 149 games (1.1).
The veteran right-hander has pitched two innings at Wrigley (three games). Nelson allowed one run on two hits with three walks and five strikeouts.
Joe Nelson’s Page on Baseball Reference.com
The Cubs have been linked to Luke Gregerson, Jason Frasor, Kiko Calero, Chan Ho Park and Heath Bell in recent weeks … and Jon Paul Morosi tweeted late Wednesday night that the Cubs “are still in touch with Kiko Calero and Chan Ho Park.”
Stay Tuned …