Wood being a closer?

[baseball7897]

Yeah I know they have Dempster for the 9th but the way Marmol threw today maybe you give the kid a shot to stay in the rotation and put Kerry in the closer role. There is no way the Cubs will pick up his $13 million option so why not see if Kerry can be that dominant closer and then maybe give him the closer's job next year if he performs well enough.

[Brad]

Im not against the idea of Wood in the pen, especially after this 'soreness'. It couldn't hurt as much as it could having him in the rotation.

[NCCubFan]

Marmol should replace Rusch in the rotation, not Wood. Rusch doesn't belong within eyesight of a major league rotation.

[A New Era]

Marmol should replace Rusch in the rotation, not Wood. Rusch doesn't belong within eyesight of a major league rotation.

 

I agree, the problem was marmol was needed to replace Wood right now. If Prior comes back and he comes back pitching well enough, then you replace Rusch. But don't take marmol out of that rotation! Give him a chance to proove himself.

 

Zambrano

Maddux

Marshall

Marmol

Prior

[MPrior]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

One, if he's healthy enough to pitch, I want him in the rotation. If he's not, then he shouldn't be pitching at all.

 

Two, if you remember, Wood has had a lot of difficulty with the first inning in the past, especially last year and 2004. It often takes him a while to settle down. That's completely inexcusable if he's in the bullpen, as he'd probably only pitch one inning anyway.

 

Three, he's been taking a while to warm up - and has for at least a couple years now. That's not something you want in a reliever. You want someone who can get warmed up and ready to pitch at the drop of a hat. Wood is definitely not like that.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

One, if he's healthy enough to pitch, I want him in the rotation. If he's not, then he shouldn't be pitching at all

.

 

He's never healthy enough. And when he is...he hardly ever goes more the 6 innings, and and hardly throws less then 100 pitches in said innings.

 

Two, if you remember, Wood has had a lot of difficulty with the first inning in the past, especially last year and 2004. It often takes him a while to settle down. That's completely inexcusable if he's in the bullpen, as he'd probably only pitch one inning anyway.

 

In his short stin as a RELIEVER in 2005, he posted:

 

(IN 12 IPs)

2.25 era

.100 BAA

17:5 k:bb ratio

0.75 WHIP

 

To me...he did all right as a RELIEVER. And I don't think those numbers would change if he was a permanately changed to a reliever.

 

Three, he's been taking a while to warm up - and has for at least a couple years now. That's not something you want in a reliever. You want someone who can get warmed up and ready to pitch at the drop of a hat. Wood is definitely not like that.

 

Which is why, if you are planning to use him, USE him, and not yo-yo him throughout the game. As a reliever he could give the Cubs 2 to 3 innings every other day, which would save the pen.

 

Now if you give KW all offseason to prepare for a permantely role in the pen, I think he will make the transistions nicely. Wood, I hate to say...has had 8 yrs to prove his worth as a starter, and he hasn't earn his place in the rotation. Fault the bullpen, or the offense, all you want....but he hasn't gotten the job done. As of right now...Wood maybe more helpful to the Cubs as a reliever.

[Warpticon]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

Your really could have saved this. It's pretty unnecessary. I don't think the Cubs are consulting you for your opinion on the matter, either, but that didn't stop you from expressing it, did it?

[XZero771679666304]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

Your really could have saved this. It's pretty unnecessary. I don't think the Cubs are consulting you for your opinion on the matter, either, but that didn't stop you from expressing it, did it?

 

Yeah, that was totally unnecessary.

 

 

As for Wood, at this point I am in favor of putting him in a position too earn as much of his salary as possible. IMO, that is in the rotation. With Howry, Eyre, Dempster and Williamson at the back end of the pen, Woody's presence would be almost superfluous. The only real impact he can make at this point is as a starter.

[Shavo]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

Your really could have saved this. It's pretty unnecessary. I don't think the Cubs are consulting you for your opinion on the matter, either, but that didn't stop you from expressing it, did it?

 

Yeah, that was totally unnecessary.

 

 

As for Wood, at this point I am in favor of putting him in a position too earn as much of his salary as possible. IMO, that is in the rotation. With Howry, Eyre, Dempster and Williamson at the back end of the pen, Woody's presence would be almost superfluous. The only real impact he can make at this point is as a starter.

 

He's sure made quite the impact there the past 2 years ... :x

[SoonerCubFan]

Based on the results he achieved in the role and the way he was throwing last year, I was all for him being converted this year before the season even started. The continual setbacks he's having now only confirm it for me.

 

His results, as posted earlier, last year were astounding. He went one stretch where he gave up a lone single to Pujols over an 8 inning stretch (7 games) with 14 Ks. The concern voiced earlier about 1st inning woes I think are a result of pacing that isn't a factor when he's in to blow through an inning. In the RP role last year, he went to 2 pitches and set out to challenge hitters from pitch 1. And, this was more effective due to the health of his arm, as witnessed by the drastically improved stuff he had. He went from low 90s fastballs back to the 100 MPH stuff he had as a rookie. He'd get ahead in the count then slam the door with a nasty breaking ball.

 

Assuming Prior is about to return, I would love to see them convert him to the pen. It seems the only way he can have a chance at a healthy and productive career at this point, and he could very well turn into a mega-dominant closer. I thyink he has the absolute perfect mindset for the role, and could be a factor on a daily basis. Let the contract issues and the roles with Dempster work themselves out.

[C.C.]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

 

Completely uncalled for.

[n l doormat]

Quote:

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

 

Quote:

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

 

 

 

Completely uncalled for.

 

Actually, if Hendry checked out message boards from time to time, the Cubs would probably be in better shape than they are now. Most of us have watched enough Cub games to recognize good baseball when we see it. Unfortunately, it's usually being played by the Cubs' opponents.

[badgercub]

The only concern I have in putting Wood in the bullpen is the fact that with all of his past arm problems would he be able to pitch on back to back days? Can his arm/elbow/shoulder handle that kind of stress with less recovery time? If it can I think he could be a good closer, but if he is healthy, he has much more value as a starter.

 

Kerry did stay healthy for that 3 year period from 2001 to 2003, made 93 starts and averaged 200 innings a year. If he is managed correctly and learns to pitch more to contact instead of striking guys out he would be very valuable in the rotation.

[impaler_240]

 

Kerry did stay healthy for that 3 year period from 2001 to 2003, made 93 starts and averaged 200 innings a year. If he is managed correctly and learns to pitch more to contact instead of striking guys out he would be very valuable in the rotation.

 

yet still never managed to win more than 15 games... :?

[SoonerCubFan]

The only concern I have in putting Wood in the bullpen is the fact that with all of his past arm problems would he be able to pitch on back to back days? Can his arm/elbow/shoulder handle that kind of stress with less recovery time?

 

Based on what we saw last year, his arm seemed to benefit from not starting. He went every other day for a couple of weeks and was scorching, hitting 98-100 on the gun repeatedly and was virtually unhittable even with existing shoulder problems. He went back-to-back once with less stellar results, but I would advocate building him up slowly, such as being a regular first replacement for Maddux (the contrast would be amazing) and Marshall very turn through the rotation until he can go back-to-back.

 

If it can I think he could be a good closer, but if he is healthy, he has much more value as a starter.

 

Kerry did stay healthy for that 3 year period from 2001 to 2003, made 93 starts and averaged 200 innings a year. If he is managed correctly and learns to pitch more to contact instead of striking guys out he would be very valuable in the rotation.

 

Yes, if we could guarantee the 2002-2003 Wood from here, I would be happy to stay with that. If he has to pitch differently, I'm not so sure.

[NorthsideAvenger]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

Your really could have saved this. It's pretty unnecessary. I don't think the Cubs are consulting you for your opinion on the matter, either, but that didn't stop you from expressing it, did it?

 

Look, I apologize ahead of time when I said "not to sound mean". Look, I am naturally thick skin, and I apologize if there are some thin skin fans on the board. Call it insensitive, fine, but I won't change, I may ADAPT what I say, but I won't change.

 

I will apologize that it came off as STRONG, and MEANSPIRITED, that wasn't my intent, and if you think it was....well that is your problem (not singling anybody out, specifically), not mine. I was trying to be sarcastic.

Which apparently, NOBODY got. :shock:

 

And I NEVER said they are considering "my opinions", so stop putting words in my mouth. I just said that I highly doubt (and I apologize for singling out a certain poster) the Cubs are going to consult Cubs fan on every move.

 

Look, everybody has opinions, I respect that, contrary to popular belief....but let's have REALISTIC opinions, and not fear based opinions, shall we?

 

(burp)

 

How about that Marmol?

Maybe, TC Hinrich was right....sometimes this board can be abit oversensitive. I like the board, but boy...thin-skin it is.

[mul21]

Didn't Isringhausen initially get moved to the pen because of shoulder problems and not being able to handle the grind of starting every 5th day? Just because Kerry has done it in the past, which I don't believe Isrinhausen did, doesn't mean he'll be able to do it again. A 100 mph fastball and wicked slider are a pretty deadlt combo (see Lidge, Brad).

[CaliforniaRaisin]

I've never been comfortable with the idea of Wood in the bullpen, for a number of reasons:

 

Your comfort level isn't important to the Cubs. Not to sound mean, but I don't think Hendry goes around claims that he needs MPrior--a Cubs fan on the MB---to be comfortable with the decision on KW. My guess is, if they are going to make the move, somehow your "comfort" level won't be a part of the decision.

 

Your really could have saved this. It's pretty unnecessary. I don't think the Cubs are consulting you for your opinion on the matter, either, but that didn't stop you from expressing it, did it?

 

Look, I apologize ahead of time when I said "not to sound mean". Look, I am naturally thick skin, and I apologize if there are some thin skin fans on the board. Call it insensitive, fine, but I won't change, I may ADAPT what I say, but I won't change.

 

I will apologize that it came off as STRONG, and MEANSPIRITED, that wasn't my intent, and if you think it was....well that is your problem (not singling anybody out, specifically), not mine. I was trying to be sarcastic.

Which apparently, NOBODY got. :shock:

 

And I NEVER said they are considering "my opinions", so stop putting words in my mouth. I just said that I highly doubt (and I apologize for singling out a certain poster) the Cubs are going to consult Cubs fan on every move.

 

Look, everybody has opinions, I respect that, contrary to popular belief....but let's have REALISTIC opinions, and not fear based opinions, shall we?

 

(burp)

 

How about that Marmol?

Maybe, TC Hinrich was right....sometimes this board can be abit oversensitive. I like the board, but boy...thin-skin it is.

 

Whatever you want to say about our thick skins, you were out of line in this case.