Kerry Wood Files for Free Agency

by Chanman25 on Oct 31, 2008 8:43 PM CDT Comment 51 comments

Of course, this was expected. Here is a snipit of the article off the Cubs' website:

Right-hander Kerry Wood filed for free agency on Friday, officially making himself available for the third consecutive offseason.

Catcher Henry Blanco and right-hander Jon Lieber also filed a day after four other Cubs, including Ryan Dempster, did the same. Free agents can sign with only their 2008 clubs through Nov. 13, but they may discuss non-salary issues with other teams.

Wood, who stayed in Chicago with a one-year, $4.2 million deal last November, saved 34 games in 2008, his first year as a closer. Injuries are always a concern with Wood, but he made it through the season relatively healthy, a midseason blister aside.

Contract length may be the determining factor in Wood's negotiations. While the Cubs have Carlos Marmol waiting in the wings, other teams in need of ninth-inning help could offer Wood a longer deal.

Rest of the article is Here

I really hope we can keep Kerry. He is a class act and a great pitcher to have on this staff. It's a pity he was unable to remain a starter..

Oh and Lieber filed for free agency as well, but I think he is most likely done.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, editor-in-chief (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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please dont leave us Woody.

come on woody sign a contract like wakefields so you don’t have to go through this every off season

by Glacier on Oct 31, 2008 10:18 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Wakefields was an option I believe

Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.

by bren on Oct 31, 2008 10:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He re-upoped w/ Boston - FOR $4MM!!!

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Nov 3, 2008 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually Boston has a rollover option on him every year

Basically, he’s a on 1-year deal with a team option every season for $4 million a year.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 3, 2008 11:07 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

yeah, he is pretty much a Red Sox for life

They always have an option for him every year. Quiet frankly, I don’t think any other team would want him for 4 million either..

2009 Cubs: Well, Seems so far away..

by Chanman25 on Nov 3, 2008 1:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

4 million

for an innings-eating knuckleballer who has been nothing but a great guy in the clubhouse and community is a bargain, IMO.

I think there would be a market for Wakefield if he ever became a free agent.

I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg

by Trey2317 on Nov 3, 2008 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Why do you think Lieber is done?

Does anyone have a good read on Lieber’s situation?

The author of this post is not a certified scout, doctor, agent, statistician, manager, or journalist, nor was he ever a very good player, though he tried very hard to be like Ryne Sandberg and was about as scrappy as it gets (in T-ball). Any opinion expressed above should in no way be confused with fact, truth, or reality and is hereby qualified in the following ways: 1) The author does not know as much about baseball as Lou Piniella. 2) The author does not know as much about baseball as Jim Hendry. 3) The author does not know as much about baseball as either Dusty or Darren Baker.

by DGU on Oct 31, 2008 10:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Why would you think Lieber would come back?

He’ll be 39 in January, had a mediocre year and had nagging injuries. Sounds like a recipe for retirement to me.

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

by Al on Nov 1, 2008 3:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Depends on how the injuries feel right now.

I think Lieber showed he still had it if he wanted to try and compete one more time.

by DGU on Nov 1, 2008 7:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe Lieber talked about retiring at the end of the season back in Spring Training.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 1, 2008 1:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Then why would he bother filing for FA?

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 1, 2008 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Why not?

See what you can get, give yourself a few months to rest up, maybe he’ll have an Edmonds year.

All good things come to those who wait... and wait... and wait... and -- screw it, bring me the head of George Steinbrenner.

by znohitter on Nov 1, 2008 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just in case he changes his mind, he would still have the option to play.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Nov 1, 2008 2:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Gotcha.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 1, 2008 3:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also, it's a favor to the Cubs...

They get his 40-man roster slot as soon as he declares. If he doesn’t file, they have to either wait for him to decide to retire and file the papers, or non-tender him and look inhumane.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 1, 2008 4:24 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is what I was looking for...I just didn't think it through

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 1, 2008 8:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He left the team and went home after he was put back on the DL in September,

and didn’t bother to come back to sit in the dugout during the playoffs even though Jim Hendry specifically invited him. That is considered “quitting” in a big league clubhouse, and I’m not sure how many guys would want him back.

It’s also a signal that his desire to be home with his family is stronger than his love of baseball.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 1, 2008 4:27 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs

Thanks for the info.

Case closed.

by DGU on Nov 1, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

He was hurt for god sakes!

and he wasn’t on the playoff roster. Sheesh.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 1, 2008 8:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

In the "Brotherhood of Baseball"

injured players are still part of the team, and they are expected to continue acting like teammates. Teammates will “excuse their absence” when:

1. The team has directed him to go somewhere to seek a second opinion or treatment (e.g., Birmingham, AL); or
2. He has just undergone surgery or other treatment and is unable to travel; or
3. He has been sent to Mesa for rehab; or
4. He has a genuine family emergency (i.e., Cliff Floyd’s Dad last year).

Otherwise, guys are expected to do their rehab before the game, then sit in the dugout (or bullpen) and cheer for their teammates. “Going home” is considered to be abandoning the team. Remember that he received a playoff share for going home and enjoying his family instead of staying with the team. That didn’t go over too well in the clubhouse, I’m sure.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 1, 2008 8:34 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Particularly when he was specifically invited to come sit in the dugout during the playoffs.

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

by Al on Nov 2, 2008 3:58 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Point taken.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 2, 2008 4:17 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

My opinion on Wood

I just as much as everyone would love to see him in a Cubs uniform for the rest of his life. But let’s be fair, he’s given him life to this team (as has we to him). If Kerry chose to go to another team I’d wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. And to be honest, if the Cubs didn’t make it in the post season, I’d be proud of Kerry to be part of a team who did.

by ak123 on Nov 1, 2008 1:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

When I say we

I mean Cubs as an organization. We have given our devotion, patience, and dedication to him.

by ak123 on Nov 1, 2008 1:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

And he has returned that with loyalty.

I think he’ll be back.

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

by Al on Nov 1, 2008 3:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Me too

Me too but if he does go to the National League I think he might get the warmest reception in a long time of a former player.

I hope if he does leave he goes to the AL.

The Rangers are interested. They also want Dempster.

Thngs of worth are worth fighting for regardless of the odds.

by cubstoseriesby100 on Nov 1, 2008 12:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well then...

we should sign Dempster and trade him for Josh Hamilton.

by jbertram on Nov 1, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't. Be. Done.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 1, 2008 4:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

OT - you may want to change your handle...

:-)

"I'll take one in the mouth over the eyes any day". - AJ Pierzynski
http://lostinthevines.blogspot.com/

by lostinthevines on Nov 3, 2008 11:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

She's done that once already.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 3, 2008 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Is KOW available on SBN?

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 3, 2008 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably so...

… since she gave it up and never reclaimed it.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2008 2:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I really hope so...

It’s almost strange these days to get attached to specific players, because they come and go with such frequency. Regardless of Marmol’s presence, I think Hendry has to bring him back. He means A LOT to this organization and its fans, me included.

by jbertram on Nov 1, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

wood

just a formality it has to be done.i,m sure kerry wants to stay and i,m sure hendry can work it out.but remember this,the mets will be looking for a closer among other teams.we wont be able to match the longevity of the other team,s contract offers so it will be up to kerry. 3 trips to the postseason,40 thousand fans every day who love you.let,s hope woody takes all that into consideration.

by NOMAR on Nov 1, 2008 5:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm not going to give this another fanpost

but Jim Edmonds isn’t retiring (behind ESPNs subscriber wall).

by DGU on Nov 1, 2008 10:26 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Whoops...

I did.

by jbertram on Nov 1, 2008 2:53 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kerry Wood should get no more than 2 years from the Cubs

Hendry needs to hold firm in the negotiations. Cubs have paid a lot of money to Wood over the years for a lot of downtime. More to the point his ability to stay healthy is very questionable given the dubious condition of his right arm. I’m all for giving Wood a lucrative 2 year deal. But no way no how to a 3rd year.

"Not that I don't feel like I'm part of the team, by no means, but when you get that nice celebration coming into the dugout and you're getting your ass hammered by guys, it's no better feeling than to have that done.'' -- Matt Stairs (aka The Professional Hitter)

by MDBNIU on Nov 1, 2008 8:59 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Two years ...

… plus a third option year that would vest with a certain number of appearances, either per year or total over the two years. I think you would agree that after three injury-free years (including 2008, and I’m not including the blister because that was NOT elbow or shoulder related), Wood could be considered no longer an injury risk.

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

by Al on Nov 2, 2008 3:59 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I can live with a third option year

Regardless my opinion I think it is a 99% certainty that Kerry Wood is back. The same probability applies to Ryan Dempster’s return, though if it were me in charge I’d wave bye-bye and take my chances with Sean Marshall, Chad Gaudin and potential cheaper options acquired via free agency or trade.

by MDBNIU on Nov 2, 2008 10:08 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The problem with waving bye-bye to Demp

is that it leaves you unable to trade Marquis. Your rotation would be:

1. Z
2. Lilly
3. Harden (probably no more than 20 starts)
4. Marshall
5. Shark/Gaudin/Veal/FA garbage

You would have no bullpen buddy for Harden, Marshall hasn’t proven he can pitch 180 innings, Shark doesn’t have a third pitch, and Gaudin hasn’t proven that he can walk late at night. The FA market is pretty barren after CC, Lowe, AJ, and Demp.

That’s a huge risk…

Also, you don’t have the trade chips to get a good pitcher like Peavy (especially without giving up Lilly, which defeats the purpose), and Sam Zell’s checkbook isn’t big enough for CC.

So, the question becomes: Would you rather have Demp or Marquis? Most Cubs fans would choose Demp.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 2, 2008 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Koji Uehara.

by DGU on Nov 2, 2008 2:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That sounds reasonable to me.

I’d like to see Kerry back – he had a good first year as a closer. I think he’ll build on it and be a better closer next year.

"I see I'm not the only one around here who can't hold his water." - Last words of the leaky pipe in the visiting team dugout, Dodger Stadium, October 4, 2008.

by dat cubfan daver on Nov 3, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I won't shed tears if he's not back

I didn’t care much for him as our closer, never made me feel comfortable. If Kerry decides to leave, good luck wherever he goes.

by AeroZach on Nov 2, 2008 1:17 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sign him!

by sue369 on Nov 2, 2008 1:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=247539

2009 Cubs: Well, Seems so far away..

by Chanman25 on Nov 2, 2008 4:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That article makes alot of assumptions.

"Just win tonight" - derv

by derv on Nov 2, 2008 6:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Here's a good quote, though, that wasn't an assumption:

Jim Hendry:

You want to add three or four more guys or shuffle the deck a little bit. It’s the nature of the game. You make roster changes. People come, people go. It’s certainly not an overhaul club. It’s just a club that our goal is to make it better than it was at the end of the regular season and get ready to take another shot at it.

Three or four guys – is that one more than we expected?

by DGU on Nov 2, 2008 8:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It might be fewer.

There are probably going to be at least 3 new pitchers, since Marquis (salary dump), Gaudin (club not happy with his late night behavior), and Howry (FA) are likely gone. Cotts isn’t a cinch to return, either, and Lieber is likely to retire.

On the position player side, the article indicated that Edmonds likely won’t be back. Additionally, they may trade DeRo if they can get Furcal, Hudson, or Roberts, or if they need to dump salary (for Dunn, for example). Ward is gone, too. Pie will be traded, if they can find a taker. Apparently, Cedeño is in the doghouse as well, and he is arb-eligible, so he might be gone.

You might be surprised by the turnover.

"I've never complained about it. I'm thankful to have a jersey." Mark DeRosa, 22 Aug 2007

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 2, 2008 8:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll bet...

…it ends up being more shuffle the deck as opposed to adding 3 or 4 FA’s. What I mean is I say the acquire the bulk through trades and maybe one FA.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 2, 2008 11:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Right.

I don’t think Hendry meant “sign three or four free agents”. I think you always “shuffle” a team in the offseason, even a team that wins the World Series. I haven’t looked, but I’ll bet that each one of the last ten World Series teams entered the following year with at least 3 or 4 different players than the roster from the last game of the WS.

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

by Al on Nov 3, 2008 3:25 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wood & the Cubs, that's the way it should be

I just can’t see him wearing anyone else’s colors. We fans have stood by him through injury as well as triumph. I guess I am showing my naivety. Why can’t the Cubs cough up the dough to resign him? Whatever the man wants, give it to him.

I can’t believe in my heart of hearts that Hendry and or his staff think Wood or Dempster are tapped out, with nothing left to give in their tanks. So why do you let these guys explore other options? Have we forgotten the saying, “The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence”

by BigDcubbie on Nov 3, 2008 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs