LaTroy

Hawkins

“I think LaTroy has done a good job,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said. “I think the couple of days that it didn’t work out were magnified. But if you go back and look at it honestly, I think he’s done a fine job.” Manager Dusty Baker echoed those sentiments. “He’s gotten better and better, if you haven’t noticed,” Baker said. “He’s not (Eric) Gagne yet, but he’s certainly as good as most of them. His breaking ball has been good. His slider is getting better, and his confidence is getting better.” Good news for those of you who own Hawkins in fantasy pools.

“Everybody wants [Ryan] Dempster there because LaTroy had some down games last year, but LaTroy has the stuff,” manager Dusty Baker said. Regardless of who wins the job, it would be a bad idea to spend a lot of money on the Cubs’ closer. The job could change hands more than once during the season.

Eddie Guardado has him beat, being contacted by 15 or 16 teams, according to his agent. The Twins would like to sign one of their two free-agent relievers, but they may need to trade A.J. Pierzynski or another player first. It appears that Hawkins could sign fairly quickly, so Guardado might be the better bet to stay.

It’s hoped that he’ll accept the deal soon, but if he decides to head elsewhere, Braden Looper, who is expected to be non-tendered, might become their top choice to set up and eventually compete with Joe Borowkski for closing duties. The Cubs are also trying to add a lefty and are showing interest in Ricardo Rincon and Gabe White.

“Everything is really slow right now,” Hawkins said. “So we’re just going to sit and wait.” Hawkins is believed to be seeking about $5 million per season, which is probably $1 million more per year than the Twins will be willing to pay. It’s believed that the Cubs are also very interested in him.

It’s been a rough month for Hawkins, who has a 6.48 ERA in July, but of the six earned runs he’s allowed, three of them came in one game against the Cardinals where he also earned his suspension. He’s only blown one save this month.

With Armando Benitez expected to be eased back into his old role, it seems unlikely that Hawkins will earn additional saves. He has value in NL-only leagues while working as a setup man.

Hawkins had been away since Sunday following the death of his grandmother.

The White Sox were also looking at him until the Orioles asked for Sean Tracey in return. That Hawkins has allowed a total of three runs and seven hits in 12 2/3 innings against the Red Sox and Yankees this season can only help his stock. He has a 4.29 ERA overall.

He tried to throw before Sunday’s game, but said he’s still feeling the injury. Hawkins was scheduled to be examined by a team doctor Monday and says he would like to try throwing again on Tuesday, but manager Sam Perlozzo is not optimistic. “I wouldn’t say he’s real close [to returning],” Perlozzo said.