Crazy Idea

[Backtobanks]

If doctors are sure there are no more physical problems with Kerry Wood, just that he gets fatigued after 60 pitches, why not go back to letting him try to develop into a closer. He probably would have plenty of rest this year since the Cubs might not need a closer more than once a week. This would tie into the thread of trading Dempster. Also, the Cubs seem to be in a better position to replace Wood (or any starting pitching) with their prospects (Guzman, Marmol, Marshall, etc.) I know what happened last year, but they tried him in the bullpen while he was injured.

[srbin84]

If he can go 60 pitches, let's make him a two inning setup man.

[Backtobanks]

If he can go 60 pitches, let's make him a two inning setup man.

 

If he has his dominating stuff, I'd say groom him as the closer. Howry and Eyre are good enough for the 7th and 8th innings. Dempster would be good trade bait.

[Derwood]

If he'll restructure his contract, sure. But I ain't paying $12 million for a closer

[Backtobanks]

If he'll restructure his contract, sure. But I ain't paying $12 million for a closer

 

That's a foregone conclusion. Let him try relieving for the rest of this year (assuming there are no physical problems) and, if successful, restructure his contract at $3-5 million plus incentives as a closer.

[NewUserName]

why not have prior pitch 3-4 wood pitch 3-4 and leave the rest for the bullpen. they are already carrying more pitchers than needed this would at least give it a logical explanation