Baker: Wood in the Bullpen When He Comes Back?

[Roast]

 

 

That seems much more reasonable and sane. Maybe Dusty has a case of "Contract-Year-itis" and is going to be a sane, effective manager.

 

God that'd be sweet.

[CubinNY]

Thanks for the explanation.

 

It seems people were willing to give Hendry the benefit of the doubt for awhile, because he does pull off some great trades from time to time, as recently as the Hawkins for Williams and Aardsma trade. If appears he is philosophically in line with Baker at this point though, as evidenced from his costly re-signings of Rusch and Perez. You have to wonder is it the chicken, the egg, or one and the same? The manager obviously lobbies for certain players in the off season (and LaRussa does this).

I'd imagine he does. Of course, there's a difference between giving in a signing Neifi to a one-year deal and taking the initiative to sign him to a two-year deal.

 

Maybe this will clear up what Dusty said:

Trib[/url]"]The only real news culminating from the Q & A at the Chicago Hilton & Towers was Baker's revelation that the Cubs are considering using Kerry Wood as a reliever, at least at the outset of his comeback from shoulder surgery. Wood has steadfastly maintained over the winter that he plans to return as a starter.

 

Baker later clarified his remark in a meeting with reporters.

 

"It just depends on how Woody is," Baker said. "We have Woody slated as a starter, but if his endurance isn't up and he's ready, then that might be another way. That's just an option."

 

 

That seems much more reasonable and sane. Maybe Dusty has a case of "Contract-Year-itis" and is going to be a sane, effective manager.

 

It's funny. Maybe I am too jaded with regard to Dusty but I can see things going something like this

 

Dusty thinking to himself:

 

Devil Dusty says, "Man Woody sure did light things up when he pitched in relief. Shoot, the dude looked unhittable. Man he would make a helluva reliever."

 

Angel Dusty says, "But he is also a starting pitcher who is payed a lot of money to start and is pretty good at it."

 

Devil Dusty, "Shoot, I got plenty of them starters and my middle relief pitchers couldn't get the job done. I might just throw him in the bullpen to start and hope the other five guys do well. Then what am I gonna do? Put one of them in the bullpen? That might ruin their psyches. Know what I mean?"

 

Angel Dusty, "Well, I guess you got a point there man. Let's go fishin."

[Wheelimus]

Maybe Dusty is just going to let the internet tell him what to do.

 

Hey, we can hope. 8)

[CarolinaCubFan]

 

 

That seems much more reasonable and sane. Maybe Dusty has a case of "Contract-Year-itis" and is going to be a sane, effective manager.

 

God that'd be sweet.

 

I've been thinking the same thing. The contract extension talk got quiet in a hurry. Maybe Hendry and Baker will begin to show a little urgency, be it two years too late. If it means playing smart baseball, great, but if it means acts of desperation i.e. Prior trade talks, I'm a little concerned.

[Northwoods Fan]

I remember when I was predicting Kerry would break down by midseason and finish in the bullpen. I was called a pessimist at the time.

 

I remember worrying about Wood on the other Cubs board before this great one came along. I thought there was something wrong with Wood's mechanics and he would be injury prone. It was a great relief to me that knowledgeable Cubs fans thought I shouldn't worry. After all, Wood's from Texas.

 

What I would like to see is Wood's trade value go high with 4 or 5 great outings this spring and then trade him in May or June before he falls apart. I'm sorry to feel that way.

 

The only thing that would convince me otherwise is Wood NOT trying to throw the ball through the backstop. Will that day ever come?

 

Starter or relief is the least of our concerns with Wood.

 

Northwoods Fan

[badger1679666666]

What I would like to see is Wood's trade value go high with 4 or 5 great outings this spring and then trade him in May or June before he falls apart. I'm sorry to feel that way.

 

NO freaking TRADE CLAUSE - He most probably won't waive it. He won't go anywhere until after this year.