Pedro Strop had compiled a 0.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 11.0 strikeouts per nine innings in his first 12 appearances with the Cubs after coming over from the Orioles in early July, earning him manager Dale Sveum's endorsement as the next in line to close if the Cubs traded Kevin Gregg.
And then came Monday night against Brewers, when he allowed five earned runs on three hits and one walk in one-third of an inning.
Well, whatever. He's still next in line to close, in all probability, just because the Cubs have no one else who fits the bill. Plus, if they've viewed him as a closer candidate all along -- and considering they traded for him, I'm guessing they have -- one bad outing wouldn't change their minds.
So yes, I still view Strop as a sleeper for saves, if not the best sleeper for saves considering the Cubs have no incentive whatsoever to hold on to Gregg.