Kerry Wood 7-21-07 vs. SD Padres

by BigJohnAZ on Jul 21, 2007 5:07 PM CDT

Hi all, was at the Peoria Sports Complex this morning to watch Kerry pitch one inning against the Padres Arizona Rookie League team. Obviously, it's not fair to rate his performance based on one inning, but I will give my impressions on that one inning.

I didn't keep a pitch count as I was taking pictures which can be viewed at this link http://home.att.net/~jvrabec/kw.html.

The leadoff man walked on 5 pitches, the next hitter rolled a comebacker through Kerry's legs that had eyes. It made it into the outfield. 2 on, no out. Next batter got a bloop hit to left and drove in one run. The next hitter grounded into a 6-4-3 twin killing and the last batter popped weakly to the SS in short left center.

I would say he threw maybe 20 pitches, more balls than strikes. His curve seemed to be snapping very well, he had trouble placing his fastball, but no one hit anything hard at all. No one hit anything farther than 120 feet and nothing that was hit, even the DP ball, was hit hard. Bunches of scouts in attendance, didn't see a gun. Velocity looked fine, but the Padres pitcher seemed to have a little more giddy-up on his fastball. Sorry, I don't know who it was. Only the scouts have a roster, I guess I could have printed one up before leaving the house, but I knew I wouldn't be staying after Kerry was done anyway.

It was very nice to meet him and wish him good luck after his stint. He mentioned to a confidante that he was heading up to Chicago this weekend. I can only assume that it might be to have a specialist look at him, just my very uninformed speculation. He may be going up for an event for all I know.

All in all, a very pleasant morning to watch his rehab, he looked thinner than when I saw him in Spring Training. He threw effortlessly, and used all his pitches. I would think after his outings this week which were all without pain or discomfort, he looks like he will most definitely be back in August. He will be a most welcome addition to the Cub's journey that is picking up steam! GO CUBS!

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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RE: Kerry Wood to Chicago

He has his Bowling Tournament for Charity this weekened IIRC...

Thanks for the recap!

Tinker to Evers to Chance!

by sanantonecub on Jul 21, 2007 5:05 PM CDT reply actions

Correct.

Here's more info on the bowling tournament.

Thanks for this diary -- nice pictures, and hopefully, after his charity event, he'll go back to work in Arizona and continue his road back to Chicago.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 21, 2007 5:14 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm going

I'm going tomorrow night. It will be my second one.

It's a lot of fun. I was in Dempster's group last year. He is a riot.

I just want the Cubs to top the Bears NFC Title Game as my highlight of the year.

by puckishcubsfan on Jul 21, 2007 8:01 PM CDT up reply actions

If you get a chance...

... post a diary and tell us about the event.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 22, 2007 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Almost forgot

He pitched exclusively from the stretch today, even with no one on base.

"When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches."- Ron Santo

by BigJohnAZ on Jul 21, 2007 5:21 PM CDT reply actions

Awesome!

Kerry is one of my favorites too and I keep hoping to see him do well.

He looks legitimately happy in that picture. Jealous of you.

by Arbusto on Jul 21, 2007 5:53 PM CDT reply actions

It might be It could be It is!

I love old Harry calls

Tinker to Evers to Chance!

by sanantonecub on Jul 22, 2007 2:27 PM CDT reply actions

err

wrong thread. oops :-/

Tinker to Evers to Chance!

by sanantonecub on Jul 22, 2007 2:28 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for the recap!

Comcast just aired an interview with Kerry - he says he's feeling really good and expects to talk to the team in the next few days about a rehab assignment. It would be great to get him back at Wrigley for the stretch to the finish!

by augie90 on Jul 22, 2007 4:46 PM CDT reply actions

Someone holler if goes to AA Tennessee!

I am gonna find time and go see him then!

Well, Next Year is here .. and Jack's century's gotta end some time .. GO CUBBIES!

by cubnational on Jul 22, 2007 5:23 PM CDT reply actions

Go Kerry!

I won't be holding my breath, but it would make for some high drama if Kerry could make a comeback with the Cubs late in the season in some meaningful games. I hope he gets there.

Brew Crew: We are coming for you. (And we mean it this time.)

by daver on Jul 22, 2007 6:36 PM CDT reply actions

sosa?

anyone know why sammy hasn't been in the lineup for texas?i thought his numbers were decent.i know he leads the team in rbi's.any help appreciated!

by cubz409 on Jul 22, 2007 10:19 PM CDT reply actions

Here's why.

Yes, he's leading the Rangers in RBI, for all that's worth (they're 42-56, mired in last place.)

But in his last 11 games, he's hitting .128/.222/.205 with 1 RBI and 15 strikeouts in 39 AB.

That's awful. No wonder he's not playing. I think he's just about done.

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 23, 2007 4:13 AM CDT up reply actions

yeah

I've been keeping an eye on him because of a bet I have going at work. Right now i'm feeling pretty comfortable with the fact that with over/under on Sosa HR's at 30.5 I took the under.

AC 00 00 00 - BELIEVE

by mike @ Bleed Cubbie Blue on Jul 23, 2007 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions

Hit on the Head

Sammy was hit on the head with a pitch Sturday and had to be helped from the field. They held him out of Sunday's game. Word is that it was a precaution and he is fine.

by john62 on Jul 23, 2007 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions

Interesting how Sammy...

...goes into a tailspin almost immediately after making it to 600 home runs.

Maybe even he doesn't even realize it consciously, but attaining that number was the real reason he came back. On some level, he must know that he'll never receive such adulation again. So his motivation drops...along with his numbers.

Of course, it's still pretty freaky that it was the Cubs who allowed him to make it to 600. (And a Cubs pitcher wearing his old number, no less.) A cosmic parting gift, methinks.

Brew Crew: We are coming for you. (And we mean it this time.)

by daver on Jul 23, 2007 10:10 AM CDT reply actions