Cubs confident Howry can help bolster bullpen

The Cubs feel it's a low-risk move to shore up a bullpen in desperate need of any help it can get.

On Friday, they said hello again to an old friend in Bob Howry, whom they signed after he was recently released by the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Howry joined the Cubs in Arlington, Texas, where the Cubs were opening a three-game interleague series against the Rangers.

"We think he has a little left in the tank," general manager Jim Hendry said by telephone. "I talked to Bob the other day, and he thought he had a little left in the tank. I've got a lot of respect for and admiration of the way he goes about his business. He brings a lot in other ways, too."

The Cubs seem to think Howry can help mentor some of the other relievers in the beleaguered bullpen.

To make room for Howry, the Cubs optioned reliever Justin Berg to Class AAA Iowa. They also designated pitcher David Patton for assignment. Patton, who spent time with the big club last year as a Rule 5 pick, has been pitching at Class A Daytona. The Cubs moved him off the 40-man roster to clear space for Howry.

Howry, 36, pitched for the Cubs from 2006-08. In 14 games with the Diamondbacks this year, he was 1-0 with a 10.67 ERA and 6 homers allowed in 141/3 innings. He allowed 5 homers all of last year in 63 games with the Giants.

More bullpen talk: Jim Hendry said Friday that assistant Greg Maddux and minor-league pitching coordinator Mark Riggins recently spent five days at Iowa and had good reports about reliever Jeff Stevens, whom the Cubs recently called up.

"The told how much better Stevens was at Iowa than he was in camp," Hendry said, referring to spring training.

Hendry added that lefty Sean Marshall is "pitching as well as any National League reliever not in a closing role."

He acknowledged the need to get lefty John Grabow going. Grabow entered Friday 0-3 with an 8.44 ERA and a high WHIP of 2.13.

"I don't think it's his stuff," Hendry said. "Walks have gotten him into trouble. He'd be the first to tell you he's disappointed in his command. But he's a veteran guy with a lot of savvy and experience."