CUBS SIGN WOOD!

by LuisSalazar on Nov 26, 2007 12:20 PM CST

I think this to be a sigh of relief, if true. According to Bruce Levine, Woody has been signed for a reported 1 yr deal (with no options) for $4million.

If true, this is likely a steal for the Cubs, and graciuos on Woody's part. Quite honestly, I'm surprised the Cubs or Wood wouldn't demand a 2 yr deal or one with options. This obviously could be a good thing or bad thing depending on his health...

also noted here...
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Very interesting...

I wonder if he didn't like the per year figures that were being thrown out. If the Cubs gave him the inside track on the closers job, a one year deal now could pave the way to a major contract offer from someone next off-season.

by Damen Jackson on Nov 26, 2007 12:10 PM CST reply actions

I think it's smart on Wood's part

right now, there is still some question on how well he will hold up. If he can show he is healthy and productive in 08, he would be inline for maybe a 3 year deal for much more dough instead of locking himself in for lower dollars for only 2 years.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Yep

Bit of a gamble on his part, but if he stays healthy all year, he'll be able to demand a 3-4 year contract..

SORIANO! YESSSSSSSS! JIMBO!!!

by CubFaninCA on Nov 26, 2007 12:32 PM CST up reply actions

Welcome Back Kerry Wood

I love you

I love your committment to this organization

I love your repeated efforts at rehabbing

I love your love for the city and for the fans

1 year, $4 Million

you represent one of the few who will continue to leave money on the table to fulfill a responsibility you feel you have to the organization that has given you the chance at being a big leaguer

and for that, i hope you always remain a Cub

welcome back!

by DartmouthCubsFan on Nov 26, 2007 12:12 PM CST reply actions

Couldnt have said it better Dartmouth....

....I echo every one of your thoughts.

I am delighted and laughing a little when I think of the absurd Linebrink contract old Kenny did last week.

Well done Jim, well done.

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Nov 26, 2007 12:55 PM CST up reply actions

Agree!

Thanks for a great post. Welcome back Kerry!

I want my Macias!

by wombat on Nov 26, 2007 1:15 PM CST up reply actions

Yes!!!!

YEEEEEAAARRRRGGGGHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you, Kerry!

by John Q Freejazz on Nov 26, 2007 2:30 PM CST up reply actions

Very well said....

Welcome back Kerry!!

by cubfanwill on Nov 26, 2007 3:09 PM CST up reply actions

Yes!

I also am very pleased. When I saw the headline I said, "yes!" out loud. Then I explained to my co-worker sitting nearby who Kerry Wood is and what a reliever does. Ei yi yi!

by Mr Snrub on Nov 26, 2007 3:23 PM CST up reply actions

What a great guy Wood is

He probably could have gotten a better deal elsewhere, I would assume. But, he loves his Cubbies.

Also, is anyone else having problems loading this site today?

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 26, 2007 12:13 PM CST reply actions

Pages aren't loading all the time

Yes, I have occasional problems with pages not loading completely. I thought it was just something with my machine though.

Interestingly enough, whenever it does happen, the banner ad is always from Kohl's. Some nefarious new type of advertising, perhaps?

Al, any other reports coming your way?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Nov 26, 2007 1:14 PM CST up reply actions

Damn you Kohl's!!!

Yeah, same here, it seems to be every time Kohl's is up, I have a problem loading the page.

"Prince Fielder Dies Of Inside-The-Park Homerun" - The Onion

by DTJchris on Nov 26, 2007 1:18 PM CST up reply actions

I have had this happen about every

...two weeks or so...seems to last for several hours when it does.

Let me get back to you, will ya, Charlie? I got a guy on the other line asking about some white walls.

by JB 23 on Nov 26, 2007 1:33 PM CST up reply actions

It's the banners.

They have bugs.

by lemon20pie on Nov 26, 2007 5:30 PM CST up reply actions

It's On The Cubs' Site.....

...so it must be true. The link was too long to cut and paste.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 26, 2007 12:22 PM CST reply actions

I can put the URL

here.

Woody is indeed back. Now lets get Fukudome and get out of there.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh Timmers on Nov 26, 2007 12:26 PM CST reply actions

Awesome!

Glad to hear he will be back! I really think he is committed to the team and the city...players like this are hard to come by!

by AndHart120 on Nov 26, 2007 12:27 PM CST reply actions

If by hard to come by you mean...

....his loyalty, then yeah, not only are they hard to come by, but they're extinct.

How he could turn down longer contracts (assuming he got other offers, which certainly he must've) at this point in his career, with his history of injuries and not cash in on half a season of health, is very questionable.

I'm glad to have him for atleast 1 more season and will be rooting harder than ever for him to have a successful and healthy season, for his loyalty to this organization and to us, the fans.

by lemon20pie on Nov 26, 2007 5:38 PM CST up reply actions

its true

i just got my cubs news text messsage, im really starting to get pumped about 08.

"100 years in the making"

by Believeincubbieblue23 on Nov 26, 2007 12:28 PM CST reply actions

Hendry

has never lost a player that he's wanted to resign. If Wood can prove his health, next year will be his big payday.

Now I wonder what the Prior deal is going to be.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 12:33 PM CST reply actions

It will be interesting

to see what happens with Prior. I really had little doubt Wood was coming back, which is why I was surprised that Rogers wrote today he probably wasn't.

Prior is a different story because at this point, I don't see Hendry going out of his way to make it happen. If it does, it will have to be on the Cub's terms as opposed to Prior's.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 12:49 PM CST up reply actions

I'm hoping Prior shows some of the same loyalty

as Wood just did.

Even though Kerry has made far more money, Mark has still made $10m (plus his signing bonus) from the Cubs, mostly to be in rehab over and over.

A good deal with Prior would be one year for $3m, plus an option for '09 for about $5m plus incentives. At the end of '09, Mark will still be only 29 years old, and would be in line to make major money after that.

by SouthsideCub on Nov 26, 2007 1:36 PM CST up reply actions

Prior is in a different situation entirely...

aside from the fact that Prior isn't entirely a free agent (he'll only be so if the Cubs choose to go that route), there are other issues at play.

For one, Prior may not feel the same loyalty to the Cubs that Wood does, and for (potentially) good reason. While it is true that Prior has gotten lots of money to spend a lot of time on the DL, he may very well blame the Cubs organization for his time on the DL by misdiagnosing a more serious injury. In other words, had the Cubs believed him when he said there was something wrong and gotten it figured out, he might not have lost basically the last 2+ years.

That may not be fair, but it's very possibly the way he feels. Whereas Wood got a huge deal and then was unfortunate to have his arm all but fall off, Prior may feel that his market value was hurt in part due to the Cubs mishandling his injury. So he may not actually feel that he owes the Cubs anything.

by SouthernCub on Nov 26, 2007 2:04 PM CST up reply actions

This isn't the 1970's

where players were pushed into service before they were ready. In today's world (and I have experience in it) athletes have more control over their healthcare and can go to any physician they choose at anytime.

If you recall, Prior has not been seen by only Cubs physicians. For several years, he has made trips to renowned sports medicine physician James Andrews for exams/opinions on his injuries. All in all, I will guarantee that Andrew's recomendations were followed to a tee and most of his diagnosis' basically agreed with what the Cubs physicians already diagnosed.

Prior has been to physicians all over the country and has had the most cutting edge diagnostic tests to determine any problem he may have had. They left no stone unturned, and no one knows when exactly his problem got to the point where he needed surgery.

Lastly, shoulders are the most difficult joint to diagnose without sticking a scope in there to see what's going on and it's not uncommon to miss a tear that is hidden from the MRI. Prior was probably offered the option to get it scoped, but there is risk involved and it is usually not done until all other avenues are exhausted. If you remember, Prior declared himself completely healthy after his 3rd spring training this year, and a week later he was back on the shelf.

Bottom line, Prior has no reason to feel the Cubs did not treat him properly.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 2:29 PM CST up reply actions

Have you forgotten

the whispers that were coming out of the Cubs' camp last spring training about how Prior was soft and didn't have the ability to pitch through some discomfort?

I had the definite impression that the Cubs expected the scope to find nothing, that it was all in Mark's head.

That might discourage any sense of loyalty.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 2:38 PM CST up reply actions

No I haven't

but let's face it, there was plenty of circumstancial evidence that would make one wonder what the hell was going on with him. I'll also bet that other teams were drawing the same conclusions, which could have been why the rumored deal Hendry had (Prior for Tejeda) didn't go through because the Orioles didn't want Prior.

With all the tests and docs this guy saw, it would be hard for anyone not to wonder a bit what was going on with him. But that is a completely different issue than saying the Cubs screwed up his care, because in today's world nothing could be further from the truth.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 2:49 PM CST up reply actions

I didn't say it was rational...

And I don't think it's the Cubs fault. That doesn't mean that, in the situation he's in, Prior has to think rationally about it. He's been the brunt of abuse from the media and the fans, and the organization hasn't jumped up and defended the guy. Rationality can go out the window after so many things go wrong.

Again, I completely agree that it's not the Cubs' fault things have worked out badly. But it's not hard to imagine Prior feeling a bit of angst toward the organization and the city for how things turned out. Is it displacement? Sure. But just because it isn't rational doesn't mean it doesn't happen all the time.

by SouthernCub on Nov 26, 2007 2:58 PM CST up reply actions

I don't disagree

he may be miffed of all the talk he may be soft. Granted, none of that came out of the Cubs camp, but it's true they didn't come running to his defense. The Cubs basically relied on what Andrews and the test results were showing and that wasn't much. Considering how extensive his care was, I am not sure other teams wouldn't have done the same.

It is what it is, but he has to know he received the best care possible during his repeated bouts of problems. If he holds a grudge, so be it, let him move on and see what he can do somewhere else.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 3:10 PM CST up reply actions

I agree...

that was basically my point. Prior's situation isn't the same as Wood's, and therefore it wouldn't surprise me if he has an (irrational) grudge against the organization. Or at the very least, he may not be expected to have the same loyalty to the organization that Wood appears to have. It'd be nice if he did, but if he doesn't, oh well. Sometimes it's best for both sides to just move in their own separate directions.

by SouthernCub on Nov 26, 2007 4:12 PM CST up reply actions

I think part of the reason

that Wood showed loyalty is that Hendry has shown loyalty to them. Over the years, the one thing that he has done extremely well is to get a reputation for being an honest broker with them. Maddux's no-trade clause was a handshake agreement.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 2:05 PM CST up reply actions

I predict

Kerry ends his career as a Cub many seasons from now with over 200 saves.

I also agree that this is a smart move for him economically. If he plays half the season, he still could get the same deal he got this year. If he plays a full season, he may be able to get Francisco Cordero's deal.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 12:51 PM CST reply actions

Yipee

Best news in weeks.

"It's the Cubbies. There's always a vibe. It's the greatest vibe in baseball." Greg Maddux on Cub fan's optimism even after the 06 debacle.

by jessica on Nov 26, 2007 12:52 PM CST reply actions

Eye on the long term

This is a great deal for both sides. First we must remember that Wood has made a ton of dough. But this is really an opportunity to parlay a good year into a major deal after this year. Wood likely could have gotten two years in the $8-10M range (in total). Wood and his agent likely saw what Cordero just got and know that if Kerry is given a shot to close, which I bet he will, if he's successful he will be in demand 12 months from now. So while Kerry may have sacrificed one year and $4M, he will make significantly more if he's successful this year.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 26, 2007 12:59 PM CST reply actions

Anyone want to feel old?

According to the story on Cubs.com:

2008 will mark Wood's 14th season in the Cubs organization

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 26, 2007 1:03 PM CST reply actions

Lifer

I can see Woody being with this team for life. I just can't picture him anywhere else. I always believed this would get done.

I think he'll always be a part of Cubs baseball. Here he's special, anywhere else he's just some player. (think Johnny Damon as a god in Boston, and how he's just some outfielder in New York). I just picture him forty years from now having a heart attack up in the broadcast booth, living and dying with every play ala Santo.(Then again, I always thought Gracie was that guy too, so I may be wrong).

by HectorVillanueva on Nov 26, 2007 1:15 PM CST reply actions

Excellent news!

Yes, he could've gotten more money with the Red Sox, but chose to stay here. Gotta love his loyalty and desire to be part of a WS Champion!

You ARE freaking out MAN!

by crw89 on Nov 26, 2007 1:21 PM CST reply actions

Good deal

I was against the 2 year for $10 Mil as there was too much risk. This is a good deal.

For all of you people complaining for Hendry to do something, relax, he just did.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 1:36 PM CST reply actions

Okay this is done....

Hendry appears to be methodically taking care of the roster situation before he makes the bigger December splash. Wood showed genuine promise, he is still a risk but in a closer by committee he could emerge as the horse by mid-season.

Financially I could care less how he takes care of himself, that is his job he already has received top dollars so I am certain both parties know the risk and rewards. If Wood shines I am certain both parties promised to take a look at extending the contract in the mid season as the risk for Wood is that at any day he could come down lame.

So now I think the move of Dempster to the 5th spot in the rotation is also complete. Cubs have Zambrano-Lilly-Hill-Marquis-Dempster with Marshall in the swing/back up.

So now the question drills down to the utility IF'er, (Kaz?), RF (Fukudome? Crawford? unknown 3rd back up move?).

My thinking is that if the Cubs land Kaz and Fukudome they will look to move Marquis and probably Hill and seek a big time starter to make a big threesome with Lilly leaving Marshall and Hart or another up and coming rookie to fight for those 24 or so starts. Naturally the biggest catch which might never be caught is Santana. Another is Bedard who is now being valued.

Bedard would insure that the Cubs would trade at least one possibly two of their lefties; Marshall and Veal or Gallagher. Trading Hill for Bedard add little to the Cubs unless the Cubs know Hill is about to blow an elbow. Marquis is the other tradable piece that Hendry probably has a verbal promise to move him if he is unhappy where teams are always looking for a 4th-5th starter with 200 IP'd. Adding Bedard would improve the rotation incrementally if Hill remained moving him to a 4th spot and moving Lilly to a 3rd spot and Dempster to the 5th spot.

But the Cubs would also have to give up at least Cedeno and possibly Eric Patterson for Bedard. This would not be a bad trade, Marshall, Veal(prospect), Cedeno, and Patterson. This would allow McPhail to trade Tejeda to someone like St. Louis or Houston or Colorado or even the small hitting Angels or Padres for more prospects. But of course this is just speculation.

Evrything is connected, now Wood is on paper to be part of the bullpen; along with Howry, Eyre, Marmol, Wuertz, Ohman, Hart and Wood...the seven. Starters are now Zambrano, Lilly, Hill, Marquis, Dempster. Cubs have Marshall, Gallagher, Mateo, Guzman, Pignatiello, Petrick in the AAA hole. Smarz, Veal are AA arms plus a few more up and comers. I see a trade and a significant one.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Nov 26, 2007 1:37 PM CST reply actions

Mentioned this in another diary

What about Haren? Beane has been rumored to the consideration of an old-fashioned overhaul.

Would Beane take 2 of the 3: Marshall, Hart, Gallagher?

Haren's last 3 years have 220+ IP, 34 GS, 3.65 ERA, 1.21 WHIP.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 26, 2007 1:42 PM CST up reply actions

No way

You are talking about a top-notch pitcher that is under team control for 3 more years. You are not getting him for Marshall, Gallagher and/or Hart. You won't get him for all 3.

Reports are the Dodgers haven't made a deal for the rumored available pitching because the cost is too high. They are loaded with prospects and if they can't spin a few off for these guys, the Cubs won't get one for Marshall, Gallagher and/or Hart.

I would bet that if the Cubs ask about Haren, the first name Oakland will ask about is Soto.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 1:48 PM CST up reply actions

No and no

Just enjoy the moment with Wood. Neither of those trade offers (for Haren or for Bedard) comes close to what will need to be given. There's talk of Bedard and Haren over on the "Two Dominoes" thread. Here, let's just be glad about Kerry being back.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 1:49 PM CST up reply actions

Marshall

If I were a GM I'd be looking to steal this starter, who the Cubs seem to be undervaluing. I'm not sure why the Cubs and people here would be so willing to trade a young lefty starter who just completed his sophomore season, compiling a sub 4 ERA. I think given the chance Marshall has a break-out season in 2008. I know you have to give up something to get something but he should be the Cubs #5 starter next season.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 26, 2007 2:02 PM CST up reply actions

That's why I had him on my list

I think he's better than others think. Haren is good, but he isn't just below Santana; there's a notable difference.

Don't get me wrong, I like Marshall but I think he would be a key in a trade for a Haren or Bedard.

Beane isn't dumb, he knows his shit but there are some youngsters in the Cubs system that could pry Haren away.

Hopefully we'll find out a week - 10 days from now Jimbo fly under the radar and got one of these guys while the other big boys were drooling over Santana.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 26, 2007 2:09 PM CST up reply actions

If there is any GM

that lets Haren and/or Bedard fly under thier radar, they should be fired immediately by their organizations for gross incompetence.

This isn't a bargain sale where you just have to show up at the store at the right time to get the deal. Neither Haren nor Bedard are going to come cheap. If they are traded away, the A's and Orioles will have maximized the value they will get for them.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

Haren may not be as good as Santana

but his contract status makes it a lot closer. Teams are leery of paying the Twins price for 1 year of Santana. If Haren is truly available, I suspect the line will be just as long as Santana.

For example, take a team like the D-Backs or Reds. They know they won't be able to resign Santana if they trade for him. However, if they get Haren they have him for 3 more years and could even negotiate a long-term deal now for the next 4 or 5 years.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 2:15 PM CST up reply actions

I'm with you

I think the Cubs should probably stay where they are with their starting staff. I think they will too. Trying to get one of the rumored available guys is going to cost too much and leave them weak in other areas.

I wouldn't mind seeing them sign a cheap injury rehab/comeback guy and send him to AAA to see if he can can get it together. It worked with Dempster but not Miller. It doesn't cost much to give it a try.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions

You mean like Garcia or Colon?

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 26, 2007 2:12 PM CST up reply actions

or Benson or Maroth or ?????

I doubt Garcia would be that cheap but yes, sign one of these guys to a minor league deal for a $1 Million or so with incentives. It's a cheap gamble.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Or Glendon Rusch?

Oh wait, been there done that.

by HectorVillanueva on Nov 26, 2007 2:19 PM CST up reply actions

Haven't we had enough with rehab guys

A Carpenter comes along 1/100 times; and he's now hurt again though he was huge for the Birds in '06.

Unlike the ChiSox who gives away starting pitching, I'd like to see the Cubs acquire starting pitching. And, yes I wouldn't mind seeing Garland pitching for the Cubs.

The Cubs will not win the WS with the following starting rotation: Z, Lilly, Marquis, Hill, Marshall, Dempster (pick any 5 of 6).

They need another proven starter.

Our grandparents used to say, "I hope the Cubs win the Series before I die". Now teenagers are saying it. Let's change that next season!

by blackhawk24 on Nov 26, 2007 2:37 PM CST up reply actions

Yes and no

The Cubs need another starter who can shut offenses down, but they can't get one who is also proven. Therefore they have to find someone with some risk attached to him and open up that 4th starter slot for him to give it a try.

As for the Cubs' rotation - many teams have won the WS with worse rotations. Remember the Cardinals in '06 for the most recent example.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 2:41 PM CST up reply actions

Absolutely correct

And the Cubs need a top of the rotation guy at that. Though it's semantics, I think the Cubs still need a #1 or #2. I'm fine with filling #3 with Lilly, #4 with Hill, and either of the rest as the #5.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 2:45 PM CST up reply actions

No we haven't

There is nothing wrong with rehab guys if you don't count on them. Dempster worked out for the Cubs. True getting a CYA winner like Carpenter is rare but pitchers come back all the time. A big market team like the Cubs should be willing to sink some dollars into a gamble like that. The only downside is that he might take some AAA starts away from the Les Walronds and Ryan O'Malleys of the world.

As far as I'm concerned, I'd rather sign one of these guys who has actually pitched somewhat recently for around $1 Mil rather than spend $3-4 Million on Mark Prior who if/when he gets back this year will have missed nearly 2 years of pitching.

As for a proven starter, if one can be had, I agree. I don't see the Cubs making a play for Santana, Haren or Bedard (if all are even seriously available). Outside of the free-agents like Silva and Livan Hernandez, I don't see much that interests me.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 2:51 PM CST up reply actions

For the most part...

... I agree, but I would try to move both Marquis and Dempster. If only one could be moved, move Marquis. I wasn't a Marquis fan before this season and to me he just proved to be inconsistent. I'm fine with Marshall or even Hill being inconsistent, they don't have Marquis' years of service. But I'm done with Marquis and personally I believe Piniella is too.

I see Dempster as a #5 right now considering his career and mediocrity. Perhaps a few years have taught him a thing or two, but I doubt it. I'd prefer to see someone like Hart or Gallagher in the #5 spot. I'd also see what can be done with Bartolo Colon... to me he could be the second coming of Jaime Navarro who Ed Lynch rescued off the scrap heap and had a few excellent seasons with the Cubs.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 26, 2007 2:28 PM CST up reply actions

Undervaluing Marshall?

What grounds do you have for saying the Cubs have undervalued Marshall? Plenty of Cub fans have, but why say that about the Cubs themselves? Given Marshall's uncertain health, I think it would be a mistake to plan on him starting and pitching 200 IP. Having him as a swingman is a good plan. He may end up only having the arm stamina to be a reliever anyway. If the Cubs were undervaluing Marshall, he'd be gone by now.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 2:34 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry but...

I think your making some leaps regarding Marshall's health and arm stamina. He's a relatively young pitcher and many organizations have some pretty strict pitching limits for certain types of starters.

You are correct. I'm not sure if the Cubs undervalue Marshall, I just see him being mentioned in most every trade here as a throwaway and I think that would truly be foolish, I don't see him as a swingman, though, I see him as a starter who has had some excellent starts, has gotten better every season with the Cubs and could make a big leap in his third MLB season.

DmL

by dmlichte on Nov 26, 2007 2:44 PM CST up reply actions

You maybe right

Marshall needs one more genuine out pitch, in fact so does Hill----a real straight change for RHB'ers.

Cubs might go spend money on a genuine teacher of pitches over the winter for those two.

Piniella: "This is a tougher job than I thought it would be, I'm going to be honest with you."

by Ivy Walls on Nov 26, 2007 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

Very well said

and I think you hit the nail on the head. I have said this before and will throw it out there one more time - if I was a GM, I would hire the best teacher of the changeup possible and float that guy around my minor league system to spread the word.

The vast majority of your top tier pitchers have excellent change ups and it is especially true for lefties. Adding this pitch to your arsenal elevates a pitchers effectiveness like nothing else and I would love to see them do a better job at developing when the guys are young.

"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel

by MPH73 on Nov 26, 2007 4:13 PM CST up reply actions

Not a leap, not even a skip or a jump

Marshall's health problems go back to his minor league career. I remember in an ESPN chat in Spring 2006 I asked Jim Callis what he thought about Marshall and he said he like his potential, but that injuries kept holding him back. Then we saw him pitch fairly well for a while in 2006. Then he pitched worse, then he got shelved for an injury. When he came back, he pitched well for a few games, then he pitched worse and it was revealed he was still injured. He got a late start in 2007 because of an injury, pitched well through July, then pitched worse. Lou shut him down and the Cubs gave Scott Moore and Rocky Cherry away rather than start Marshall down the stretch.

Look - I may be one of Marshall's biggest believers. I think he can be that 3.50 ERA pitcher he showed himself to be in the first half of 2007. I just also recognize a career history in which he has been limited physically by his body. Maybe he will come out of that. I hope he does. That's why I wouldn't trade him. But I wouldn't expect him to pitch 200 innings in 2008 when he's never pitched over 150 innings in a season. I can go a step farther - I would not allow Marshall to pitch more than 175 innings next year, which is why starting him as a swing man is a great thing. If you keep his regular season IP under 150, he can pitch however you want him to pitch in the playoffs.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 4:58 PM CST up reply actions

Chris Young

The Rangers seriously undervalued Chris Young when they traded him to the Padres for Adam Eaton. Look how that turned out. Young and Marshall have a lot in common. They're both tall, left-handed, don't throw hard and are/were rumored to have stamina issues. Until Sean Marshall proves that he has stamina issues I would rather have him on the team in the hopes he turns in a year as good as Chris Young just did.

When a guy doesn't get the chance to pitch much or gets pulled early in games because or reasons other than stamina it's pretty hard to say that stamina is a problem. Marshall by all accounts is a smart kid who absolutely made progress across the board last year, he has all the markers as someone who can succeed in the league without a 98 mph fastball.

So yeah, he may not be Nolan Ryan but plenty of Cub prognosticators are undervaluing him at the same time they are saying we'll never get in on any of the good pitchers (Johan, Haren, Bedard) because we don't have good enough players to trade back. The grass is always greener.........

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Nov 26, 2007 3:59 PM CST up reply actions

Sorry but Chris Young is a righty

by cubswin on Nov 26, 2007 6:01 PM CST up reply actions

Two Things

First, why would the Cubs commit $15M over 3 years for a utility infielder? If KatMat is signed, he'll be signed as a starter.

Second, trading Hill for Bedard adds a lot to the Cubs. Bedard could very well be a top 10 pitcher next year.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 2:10 PM CST up reply actions

Bedard

was a top 10 pitcher this year.

Rich Hill could very well be a top 10 pitcher next year. In fact I wouldn't be surprised if he garnered top 10 Cy Young votes at some point in the next few years. Bedard has had injury issues and questions about his makeup in the past. Trading Hill for him isn't as big an upgrade as some may think.

That said, Bedard would benefit from the league change, and with the way he pitched last year in the AL East he would have been dominant in the NL Central.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Nov 26, 2007 4:04 PM CST up reply actions

We could get into a lot of semantics here

But I would qualify that statement to be the ten guys who most people would think will have the ten best years next year. Bedard is close to there, but I wouldn't necessarily say he's one of the top guys in baseball right now.

Hill, while he has a lot of promise, needs to develop a third pitch before he gets near that level.

Off the top of my head, Sabathia, Peavy, Webb, Harang, Santana, Oswalt, Zambrano, Halladay, Lackey, Beckett, Smoltz are in there. That's a bit more than 10, but that's sort of my drift.

by NO100 on Nov 26, 2007 4:37 PM CST up reply actions

Thank you

I am sure I am being biased to the tenth degree here but I did not want to see Kerry go at all. For me he has been the Chicago Cubs since his 20 strikeouts.

I Love You Kerry Wood!!!!

by cubbiematt12 on Nov 26, 2007 1:49 PM CST reply actions

Welcome back Woody!

by Tangled Up In Blue on Nov 26, 2007 1:57 PM CST reply actions

39 guys on the 40-man roster now

We won't be signing Matsui and Fukudome without making some kind of roster move. Prior is on the 40 so maybe he will be non-tendered and of course there could always be a trade. I think something will happen between now and Thursday. It seems Hendry really wants Fukudome and Matsui so buckle your seat belts for now.

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 26, 2007 2:04 PM CST reply actions

or bye-bye Fontenot

If they would sign Matsui after trading for Infante, Fontenot is gone.

by rlpete on Nov 26, 2007 2:21 PM CST up reply actions

Wood

This is great news! Props to Wood for his loyalty. How dumb does Phil Rogers look today?

by matthew23 on Nov 26, 2007 2:18 PM CST reply actions

At home sick

but this has lifted my spirits! I tip my cap, what a stand-up guy.

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Nov 26, 2007 2:23 PM CST reply actions

The only negative part of this news....

is that Hendry's search for starting pitching, whether through FA or Trade, may not exist any longer....counting on Dempster in the rotation.

THIS is very bad news in my opinion. Our rotation, more than anything, was exposed in the playoffs, and is in dire need for solidification in order for this team to reasonably compete.

Wood's signing great news...the fallout from such, not necessarily such good news.

by LuisSalazar on Nov 26, 2007 2:51 PM CST reply actions

Indeed.

Remember the 2007 champs. We can likely expect a similar calibre team at the end of the road in 2008, so we need to have a rotation that can handle the BoSox hitters and outduel their guys. Right now we don't have that.

by Flatley on Nov 26, 2007 3:40 PM CST up reply actions

Indeed #2

I don't trust Dempster in the rotation. In fact I was more comfortable with the thought of him as the closer than I am with him being the #5 starter. I think he's overexposed as a starter and he'll probably end up very similar to where Marquis ended up the 2007 season. I suppose it is good that Demp is no longer closing and there is always the possibility that he'll get beat out for a rotation spot. Maybe he becomes trade bait, or a swingman himself. My gut tells me he'll have a "Wade Miller" type upper back injury and wait for a rotation spot to open before he gets to pitch when it matters.

I know that you believe that you understood what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant. - Robert McCloskey

by pageian on Nov 26, 2007 4:18 PM CST up reply actions

I think...

... "trade bait" is the key. Dempster hasn't been a starter since the beginning of 2005, when he made six starts for the Cubs, and hasn't had a GOOD year as a starter since 2000.

But maybe there's a team out there that would take a flyer on him as a starter. That's what I think is happening here.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 26, 2007 5:03 PM CST up reply actions

Great news!!

"But being a nasty hateful person she can't help herself." KOW

by sue369 on Nov 26, 2007 3:15 PM CST reply actions

didn't see this link anywhere...

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-cubs-wood&prov=ap&type=lgns

"Who are you going to believe, me or your own eyes?"

by Jettero2112 on Nov 26, 2007 3:37 PM CST reply actions

Dempster a Starter?

http://blogs.chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports_hardball/2007/11/whats-woodys-ro.html

These guys seem pretty convinced... Not me

Bulls 402 ta zip... but Micheal Jordan will be held to under 200 points. - Todd O'Connor

by Lou In Blue on Nov 26, 2007 3:45 PM CST reply actions

Dempster to the rotation?

ECK! I can't stand the idea of Dempster moving into a starting role. Marshall would be much better.

What would it take to acquire Blanton from the A's? 230 IP, ERA under 4 and 1.2 WHIP. Not bad for a #4 starter. Plus the change from AL to NL would pad those numbers in his favor.

A Possible 1-5:

1)Zambrano
2)Lilly
3)Hill
4)Blanton
5)Marquis, Marshall, Dempster

THE FONZ HAS ARRIVED!

by amaru on Nov 26, 2007 3:51 PM CST reply actions

Probably a LOT to get Blanton...

if there's one thing Billy Beane understands, it's the value of inexpensive, quality young starting pitching. Blanton would be nice, but I'd not anticipate him coming remotely cheaply.

by SouthernCub on Nov 26, 2007 4:16 PM CST up reply actions

It has been discussed

by Cubs management on radio that Demp will be the #4 starter now.

We'll certainly see how it shakes out in ST, but he was a bad starter for us when he was doin' it.

BB, BB, BB, Hit, BB, HR, K

Wait 'til next year. And the next. And the Next. And the next after that too.

by TheEman on Nov 26, 2007 8:58 PM CST up reply actions

Hi, yes, I'm still alive.

I've been traveling all day -- I'm in New York for a DGA meeting. This air traffic thing sucks. The weather in both Chicago and NYC was just foggy -- no storms. Flight delayed 2 1/2 hours. Ridiculous. And then ground traffic in NY was horrific.

Anyway, I'm glad to see this signing. What seems likely is that Wood will be in the closer mix, with every opportunity to win the job. If he does, and if he succeeds, they can sign him to an extension before season's end.

If he fails, or if he gets hurt again, then it'll be time to cut the cord. But this is a low-risk, low-dollar (less than Scott Linebrink, for heaven's sake) contract. Kudos to Hendry.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 26, 2007 4:02 PM CST reply actions

WOODAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

MMMMM...Golden shrimp and chicken combo from Ron of Japan!

by Kinky Reggae on Nov 26, 2007 4:04 PM CST reply actions

Dave Kaplan on WGN radio

will have both Dempster and Jim Hendry on his show tonight. 7-9pm central.

by cubswin on Nov 26, 2007 4:39 PM CST reply actions

Do people really worry about Dempster being

in the rotation all season long? Lou pulled the cord on Marshall when he was throwing 3 or 4 innings before becoming ineffective. When it came to the playoffs he started Hill instead of Marquis even though all season long Hill had been in the No. 4 spot with Marquis at No. 3. If Dempster is terrible, Gallagher, Marshall, or Hart will get their shot and Dempster becomes the long man for games we can't win. What I would not be opposed to is a situation where Wood is the closer... unless he pitched the day before and then you bring in Dempster. If Dempster pitched long relief the day before, then bring in Marmol.

That might be far fetched, but does anyone worry that Lou will mismanage the pitching staff?

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 26, 2007 4:52 PM CST reply actions

Exactly

Demp wants to start again. The Cubs are willing to oblige. That's good from a management perspective. There are worse things than letting him try his hand as a 5th starter. If he's no good, he'll still have trade value as a closer.

By the way, among the many things worse than Dempster as a 5th starter includes signing Livan Hernandez for 3 or 4 years.

Demp replaces Marquis in the rotation; Marquis gets traded; the Cubs are still in the market for another starter; the two Seans will stand ready if Dempster can't cut it.

by DGU on Nov 26, 2007 5:04 PM CST up reply actions

This made my day

Wood is top shelf in my book, to bad there is not enough players like him in the sport. Takes a lot to take a one year deal, where I am sure he could of gotten an offer or two or three for 2yrs/10M.
In contrast if you read the article on Torii Hunter in the USA Today, the take I get on the article is that Hunter really let his agent decide where he was going to play in 2008. Just get the best deal, and I will pay the moving company. In Hunter's defense he did give the Twins one last call to up the price but the Twins did not budge on 3yrs/45M.
I don't know but it sounds like Wood made the call here not his agent.
Good for you Kerry Wood.

by Johnny Callison was a Cub on Nov 26, 2007 5:51 PM CST reply actions

What I really liked about this...

was reading these quotes from Woody:

He called his decision to stay with the Cubs an easy one.

"Chicago's my home," Wood said during a conference call. "Chicago's been great to me. There's no better place to play, especially if you're winning."
...................
Asked about the possibility of being a starter again, the 30-year-old said it's probably best if he stays a reliever.

"Physically, I feel like I can do it," he said. "But I know what it takes to go out and eat up 200-plus innings. I know what kind of toll it takes on your body. With what I've been through, I don't know if it's wise of me to take that chance again right away."

by Aaron @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Nov 26, 2007 6:47 PM CST reply actions

I don't suppose I have to mention...

...that this is a deal wildly below market, and I'm actually rather amazed.

The larger point here: just because we don't see anything happening, doesn't mean things aren't happening. If Hendry had listened to everyone around here that screamed "WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR," who knows. Maybe we'd be stuck with a much pricier deal for a pitcher who has a bad health track record. Maybe Wood wanted to kick the tires on free agency no matter what, and if Hendry had gone with the hard sell he'd be with some other team now.

We're not even at the winter meetings, folks. And Hendry has a track record of getting the guys he wants. (Whether or not he wants the right guys all the time is a topic for another day.) So could we all try relaxing around here for a bit?

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 26, 2007 7:18 PM CST reply actions

I just hope

he doesn't really "want" Matsui.

by Peoria Matt on Nov 26, 2007 7:33 PM CST up reply actions

Loud, sustained applause!

n/t

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 26, 2007 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

I think

many posters, myself included, weren't screaming for a deal. We were curious as to why nothing had happened -- but I think characterizing many of the comments as frantic (my word, not yours) is an overstatement -- probably fueled by the fact that blogs don't allow for tone of voice.

by elgato on Nov 27, 2007 7:16 AM CST up reply actions

530 last night

530 last night I was sitting there saying the Bears are going to lose no playoffs, the Cubs are going to lose Kerry Wood, the weather out here stinks.

Well the weather still stinks the Bears did win and the Cubs signed Kerry.

I don't think being a Cub has meant more to anyone more than it means to Kerry maybe since Ryno.

by puckishcubsfan on Nov 26, 2007 8:03 PM CST reply actions

On Bartolo Colon......

....call me crazy, but I'd kick the tires on Colon. He ended the year relatively healthy and pitching for the Angels. If he's willing to accept some sort of offer that isn't guaranteed beyond one year he could be worth the money. Yes, he's fat, 34 and coming off two injury years, but he wouldn't be the rehab project some others have been. When healthy, the guy can still pitch.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 26, 2007 10:15 PM CST reply actions

Ugh.

In September he made two starts; one bad one and one good one, and also made a one-inning scoreless relief appearance.

As you point out, he's fat and old. I guess you could kick the roly-poly belly, but I'd stay away from the tires.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 26, 2007 10:27 PM CST up reply actions

At first.....

...I was going to let this be, but upon retrospection, I can't. Can you really say Ryan Dempster is going to be a better fifth starter than Colon would be? What has Dempster done the last two seasons that would make anyone think that? Granted, Colon's been injured and off his game, but having seen him last fall, the guy can still pitch.

I just don't think the Cubs are in any position to raise their noses over the possibility of Colon regaining his forn.

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 28, 2007 12:26 AM CST up reply actions

No, Dempster probably won't be...

... a better starter than Colon. But neither do I expect Dempster to be in the Cubs' rotation. I think he'll be traded.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2007 4:25 AM CST up reply actions

Kick the tires sure

Offer him a one year deal for $1M with a ton of incentives. If he says no, oh well. We only have 40 roster spots and we are up to 39 players already. Clearly there will be some trades, releases, etc. but still, we just can't sign everyone.

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 26, 2007 10:44 PM CST up reply actions

I got news for ya

Colon is going to get a whole heck of a lot more than 1 million with incentives from somebody.

I bet he gets at least 2 years at 4 million per guaranteed and I wouldn't be shocked if he got 3 years/10 million from someone.

Yes, that's how desperate some teams are for starting pitching. And if healthy, Colon's a innings (and everything else) eating horse.

The artist formerly known as JoshinLA

by Josh Timmers on Nov 27, 2007 4:35 AM CST up reply actions

Demp

needeth say in the pen. He should be nowhere near the starting rotation. We tried this already.

Is it NBA season yet?

by cubbyblue137 on Nov 26, 2007 10:50 PM CST reply actions

Yay!

I am happy Wood is sticking around and willing to prove himself for another year at a reduced price. I also like seeing that he is being realistic about his limitations as far as ever being a starting pitcher again.

I have a thought to throw out about Prior. It seems to me that he just disappeared after he was injured and gone for a little while. I don't know what I expected out of him, until I saw what we got out of Wood during the times he has been gone.

I still heard about Wood doing rehab stints here and there and doing appearances, fundraisers, signings, etc for the better part of his lost time. Perhaps Prior did many of these things too, but I personally never saw or heard of it. That's part of the reason I just don't really care what happens with Prior and stopped waiting for a miracle.

So if I feel that gap, I am betting that Prior feels the same gap with the lack of interest and or support from the fans. I am a Cubs fan more by feeling, intuition, and memory that one by stats and numbers. So that makes me more touchy feely in my analysis I guess, lol

Anxiously awaiting the arrival of Opening Day '08

by love the ivy on Nov 27, 2007 1:15 AM CST reply actions

Kerry Wood contines to be...

...a paragon of loyalty to the Cubs organization, and I respect the hell out of him for it. I'm glad he's coming back.

Ladies and gentlemen, your 2008 Chicago Cubs starting outfield: Soriano-Pie-Fukudome. Let it be.

by daver on Nov 27, 2007 9:35 AM CST reply actions

I find the 'man-crush' on KW here

....continually astounding. Loyalty doesn't matter any more, Whether or not he can pitch is the question. And, apparently -- from the few shots he had last year, all of you seem to think this is a slam-dunk.

But, thankfully, this isn't the worst deal, the Cubs won't lose that much when he goes down again. (and you know he will)It ain't my money.

He "allegedly" tuned down bigger offers....says the media, and many here. Well, Wood has made the smartest choice. Even he knows he's one pitch away from ending a career. The friendly Chicago fans and media will just say (when this inevitably happens) "Well, he tried. Whatta guy. Loyal to the Cubs until the end." If he failed in Boston, (Let's say, for discussion's sake since the Sox were 'allegedly' kicking Wood's tires) he and the team would be roundly attacked.
At least Jacque Jones showed up every day to play(usually not that well) and he was blistered here. KW, tho -- can pitch a mere few innings, and can do no wrong. But, those "We Got Wood" T-shirts are still good.

This is so disingenious on the part of Kerry Wood I cannot believe anybody here cannot see this. I realize I am absolutely alone here on this, but -- so be it.

This 4-million could have been spent on a 2-year deal for Doug Brocail of the Padres, a free-agent who can seemingly......pitch. Look for the Astros to overpay to sign this guy. If he's effective as he was with the Padres, it's an 'under the radar' deal that will really help Houston. Or, perhaps he's another Scott Linebrink -- the Padres will have rid themselves of him as he falters.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 27, 2007 8:53 PM CST reply actions

Doug Brocail?

Really?

The guy just posted his lowest ERA in four years, in his age 40 season. Seriously, his ERA in the two years prior were 5.52 and 4.76 -- well below the league average. And he was a reliever! And he'll be 41 next season! I'd rather set four million dollars on fire than pay them to Doug Brocail. My feeling is that the Padres have gotten rid of a problem here, not lost an asset. Houston's getting stuck with someone else's trash here, and paying through the nose for it.

I can't say the Wood signing was a good one, or that he's a sure bet to help the ballclub next season. But for that money, the organization really had to bring him back, and they'll probably recoup that money in jersey sales anyways.

Yeah, it's a sentimental deal. But it's possible for emotionalism to affect one's judgement in this matter, too, and that's no more of a correct value judgement.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 27, 2007 9:09 PM CST up reply actions

Brocail

essentially was the best guy the Pads had in the pen last year, along with Cla Meridith. Hoffman, remains the closer, but he's NOT the best guy in the pen anymore.

Granted, the 4 mil for Brocail is very high. But, expect something like that coming for the guy, probably in Houston. The Pads don't want to pay him more than the minimum. In fact, they have no intention of re-signing him.

And of course, the MM Field effect will probably skew Brocail's stats. (Again, that is IF this deal happens. It's NOT a sure thing, it is an educated guess in today's Union-Tribune sports, as Brocail lives in Texas, and the Astros are sniffing around at him) But, this guy is gonna get a pay day from somebody.

If Wood makes it through an entire season, I want everybody here to remind me I said he wouldn't. But given Wood's history, if he makes it to March 22nd without some sort of friggin' problem, it will be amazing.

I just don't see a 'sentimental' signing as beneficial to the Cubs -- certainly, it is to Wood. This guy is teflon....

But, in retrospect, TEFLON is the wrong comparison. At least my frying pans last for years..............

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 27, 2007 9:36 PM CST reply actions

Why all the animosity toward Wood?

Yes, this signing has some sentiment to it. Is that so terribly wrong?

For that money, there is tremendous upside. Doug Brocail? You can't be serious. As pointed out above, he will be 41 in May, and though he had a decent year for SD, he's probably Scott Linebrink.

I'd rather have Kerry Wood. You said:

If Wood makes it through an entire season, I want everybody here to remind me I said he wouldn't.

I'll be first in line.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2007 4:27 AM CST up reply actions

Agree Completely

DOUG BROCAIL????

Even if the talent's comparable, and it ain't, not by a longshot, Wood is at least ten years younger.

DOUG BROCAIL?????

Did Wood snub him for an autograph once or something?

Santo Forever!

by BeerCub on Nov 28, 2007 8:22 AM CST up reply actions

Brocail...

... is getting $2.5 million on a one-year deal.

I'm not sure what Brocail brings the Astros that they couldn't find somewhere in their farm system for the minimum salary, so that's over $2M wasted by them.

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2007 10:26 AM CST up reply actions

Two words, Al...

...veteran presence. They needed to fill the hole at "player over 40" that opened up when Biggio retired.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 28, 2007 10:38 AM CST up reply actions

You mean...

... they couldn't talk Roger Clemens into coming back?

"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx

by Al Yellon on Nov 28, 2007 10:47 AM CST up reply actions

Apparently they're not confident...

...they can outbid the Yankees, who needed to fill the "Hall-of-Famer running on fumes" position that opened up when Bernie Williams was let go.

FREE CARMEN PIGNATIELLO!

by cwyers on Nov 28, 2007 11:23 AM CST up reply actions

So therefore, I was right

I said Brocail was going to get a big payday. That's a one-year deal with an option, so he could get over 5 mil, if the second year option is picked up. I thought 4 mil.

Brocail was the best guy in the Padres pen last year, not Trevor Hoffman. In the last 2 months of the season, the locals were clamoring for Brocail to close, not Hoffman.

Of course, the Petco effect could have been big for Brocail. He may not have the same effect in the Houston bandbox.

And, yes, the Cubs will be in good shape if KW can pitch. And, yes -- please bring back my words next October. If he works out, I will have no problem in being wrong.

Wood's personal history tells me he will fall short.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 28, 2007 7:48 PM CST up reply actions

So therefore, I was right

I said Brocail was going to get a big payday. That's a one-year deal with an option, so he could get over 5 mil, if the second year option is picked up. I thought 4 mil.

Brocail was the best guy in the Padres pen last year, not Trevor Hoffman. In the last 2 months of the season, the locals were clamoring for Brocail to close, not Hoffman.

Of course, the Petco effect could have been big for Brocail. He may not have the same effect in the Houston bandbox.

And, yes, the Cubs will be in good shape if KW can pitch. And, yes -- please bring back my words next October. If he works out, I will have no problem in being wrong.

Wood's personal history tells me he will fall short.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 28, 2007 7:50 PM CST up reply actions