Carlos Marmol - Experienced World Series Closer

Carlos Marmol earned the save in today's opening game of the Caribbean World Series. Marmol took over as the closer for Licey in the Dominican Winter League playoffs, and the Cubs have let him stay and pitch in the CWS.

Today, Carlos came in for Oneli Perez with a runner on first and two out in the bottom of the 8th. Licey (or Dominican Republic Team 2) had a 5-4 lead, but Marmol promptly walked Alberto Callaspo to put the the tying run in scoring position. But Venezuela's Robert Perez flew out to center fielder Jose Bautista to end the threat.

Licey added an insurance run in the top of the 9th. Nonetheless, Carlos made it interesting for a moment. He opened with two straight balls to some guy named Selwyn Langaigne. At this point, Marmol had thrown 11 pitches - and just four strikes. He apparently got it to together then and there, and he threw three straight stikes to Langaigne and got him looking. The next batter was Lino Connel, and walked back to dug out after whiffing on a 2-2 count. With two out and the bases empty, Richard Paz fell behind 1-2 and popped out to 3rd.

While the competition isn't the greatest, the atmosphere for these games is big time. In October, Marmol's command disappeared as his mechanics got loose. Or too loose, for Carlos. As a converted catcher, he may still be learning how his body responds when the heat is really on.

See what he takes away from this experience. If he can learn to settle down under pressure, he'll be ready to close for the Cubs, when given a chance.