Steve Phillips on the Cubs

ESPN's Steve Phillips believes the Cubs closer situation is a battle that will eventually be won by Carlos Marmol. According to Philips, Marmol has the better stuff and is the better pitcher when compared with current Cubs closer Kevin Gregg. Phillips voiced his opinion numerous times on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball as Marmol pitched a perfect eighth and Gregg struggled through the ninth.

Phillips also had a bit of a run-in with Lou Piniella this week and apologized to the Cubs manager for his criticism of Piniella's perceived handling of Kosuke Fukudome.

Managers of the Year

Congratulations to Joe Maddon and Lou Piniella for winnings American League and National League Manager of the year, respectively.

Maddon was an obvious pick, but Piniella had to fend off the likes of Joe Torre and Freddie Gonzalez to lock up the N.L. award. In the end, it looks like voters went with Piniella for guiding the Cubs to the N.L.'s best record.