There may be only four games left in the Cubs’ season, but it apparently isn’t too late to make changes.
After blowing two straight saves–the latest in a 4-3, 12-inning loss to Cincinnati on Wednesday–LaTroy Hawkins may be out as the Cubs’ closer, and Kyle Farnsworth may be in.
“We’ll address that when we get to it the next time,” manager Dusty Baker said. “Farnsworth has been throwing the ball well.
“I’ve thought about it, but I can’t tell you before I discuss it with (pitching coach) Larry Rothschild and the people involved.”
Hawkins, who doesn’t usually talk after a game, was asked if he would remain as closer.
“I think I will, but I’m not the manager,” he said.
Farnsworth pitched two scoreless innings Wednesday. He has allowed no runs in his last four appearances, covering 5 1/3 innings. Hawkins has blown nine of 33 save chances.
Here’s the statistic that may cost Hawkins his job: He has saved only four games and blown eight when he enters with a one-run lead.
In comparison, Joe Borowski had 13 one-run saves last year and was 33 of 37 overall.
Hawkins blew a three-run lead with two outs and two strikes on Victor Diaz in New York on Saturday. The Cubs lost that game 4-3 in 11 innings.
He blew a one-run lead with two strikes and two outs in the ninth inning Wednesday when Austin Kearns doubled home D’Angelo Jimenez.
“That’s a couple of times in a week,” Baker said. “We and Hawk seem like we have the two-out and two-strike blues.”
Hawkins had thrown two fastballs past Kearns. On 0-and-2, he threw another fastball instead of wasting a pitch. Kearns ripped it off the left-field wall.
“I thought it was high enough that if he didn’t swing, it would have been a waste pitch,” Hawkins said. “I have to tip my cap to him. He made the adjustment.
“I have to do my best and throw strikes. I would rather get beat like that than with walks. I can accept getting beat with guys swinging the bats [against] my fastball. I’m disappointed, but if you’re the closer, you have to have a short memory.”
Baker said he’s not averse to making late-season changes, simply because the Cubs are in a do-or-die situation.
“You leave your feelings and ego at the door,” he said. “It’s everybody for the cause.”
