Wood Gone? It will never be the same.

by cliffyhoops03 on Nov 13, 2008 5:12 PM CST Comment 68 comments

With the Kevin Gregg trade today, apparently this ends an era in Chicago, the face of the franchise out the door without the ring, or glory he deserved. This is unbelievable to me to be honest, this isn't Ryan Dempster, this isn't Derek Lee, this is Kerry Wood, Kerry Wood is the Cubs, he needed to be on the mound for that last out of the series, to end the curse off all curses, this just isn't right. Hendry thinks it's time to do what is right for his family? Are you kidding me you are a God in this city and have a chance to go down as one of the most popular cubs of all time. You had it all Kerry, but you wanted the cash. You will never be the same. Were going to have to do this without you pal. Your choice.

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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kinda reminds me of the favre situation

face of a franchise for so long and then before you know it hes in another uni. But as with farve I will keep the utmost respect for this man, a true all-around good man.

by StlCUBBIE on Nov 13, 2008 5:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

sorry, can't resist

how the hell do you respect Favre?

He’s a Grade A D-Bag.

by tal1286 on Nov 14, 2008 3:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The way that he handled the retirement situation was questionable

But I can’t help but wonder if this is simply because he played for a team other than your favorite.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 14, 2008 3:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Looking at this from the fan's of the teams themselves

how can you possibly compare Wood to Favre? I’m not a Packer fan by any stretch of the imagination but here’s a QB that is one of the greatest of all time in the NFL. Where does Wood stand on MLB’s list of pitchers? Not from your heart, but by performance? Nowhere near…not even on the same planet.

IMHO this so-called home-team discount he “gave” the Cubs the last two years maybe was because he for all practical purposes “stole” about $30M from the Cubs in 2004-06. His mind-boggling stats for those 3 seasons: 47 appearances, most as a starter, 12-15 record, 4 holds, about a 4.0 ERA and 226 IP, all the while his salaries were listed as $8.0M, $9.5M and $12.0M.

Sorry Mr. Wood, but please don’t let the door hit you in the ass on your way out the door.

Sweet Lou for Mayor in '11.

by blackhawk24 on Nov 15, 2008 4:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Couldn't ya

have just vented in the threads that were already up and dedicated to this very topic? And, can’t really blame the guy for wanting to make a living. He’s gonna get paid…as well he prolly should. Good luck Kerry!

"I love when they play that Go Cubs Win song."

by BMoney79 on Nov 13, 2008 5:35 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

"My definition of a redundancy is an air-bag in a politician's car."

says Larry Hagman.

My definition is this post.

All generalizations are false.

by Emelie on Nov 13, 2008 5:40 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Just like:

— Ernie Banks needed to hit the Game 7 winning homerun.
— Fergie Jenkins needed to throw a shutout to win the Series.
— Sandberg needed to make a backhanded play to end it with the tying and winning runs in scoring position.
— Sosa needed to hit one on Waveland to finish the Yankees.

Wood is a nice guy. He’s popluar, I get it. I hope that he has many good seasons left in him. However, there have been more iconic Cubs that weren’t around to see them win. There are iconic fans that didn’t live long enough to see their dream.

I’m sorry if this sounds callous, but Kerry Wood is NOT the Chicago Cubs. I’m sorry to see him leave, but I grew up a Cubs fan — long before Wood was drafted. I wish him well, but I wish the Cubs better.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

True enough, I suppose.

It’s just sad that WHEN the Cubs eventually win the WS, he won’t be part of it.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 7:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, I can understand that sentiment

I just think there’s a bit of hyperbole going on.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 7:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe a bit.

But I also think Kerry Wood was a positive contributor on the field, and while Carlos Marmol can close — who does that put in Marmol’s spot? Kevin Gregg? That’s not nearly as good a combination.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't disagree

And they are still a reliever or two short.

Maybe Wood has a change of heart in a few weeks, as you and some others were speculating in another thread. I do think Hendry would take him back on a 1 or 2 year deal — and I wouldn’t be unhappy about that.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And I agree with you completely.

No doors were closed by Hendry’s statement.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I Agree As Well

We don’t know what conversations were had between Hendry, Kerry and his agent. Perhaps Hendry was looking at 1 year, 2 years tops. Perhaps the agent was starting at 4 years, 3 years bottoms. No way to meet in the middle.

That said, let Kerry check the free agent market. Dempster is doing the same. They have earned that right. Although other teams are desperate, who is going to give Kerry three guaranteed years at $10M per year?

Don’t you think that the Cubs could scrape up 2 @ $16M for Kerry? I think so, and Gregg, if not flipped to another team, will end up replacing the spot vacated by Howry. Either way, Hendry is not being held hostage…

Jacque Jones is gone, and I doubt Ivan DeJesus would mind this!

by initram on Nov 13, 2008 9:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This is best for Kerry, our loss.

Kerry has this one last shot at being paid, and he deserves to be paid. The problem isnt that he wants to be paid, it is that we will not go 3 or 4 years. We had to make a business decision as did Kerry. My guess is that Jim Hendry did this to help Kerry and his family out. Force him to go out and get the check and commitment for 4 years. A mlb player’s career is short, especially if you have had problems already. This absolutely blows no question. I agree with the post that Kerry should have been on the mound for the final out when we finally win it all. It makes it a little less special. Sad day to be a Cubs fan!

by thisisitflyfishing on Nov 13, 2008 6:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Although I was very little at that time

Does this remind anyone of the Maddux situation?

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

No. Maddux wanted to stay

Larry Himes was an arrogant ass who wanted his own guys and didn’t want to negotiate in good faith.

Wood may have wanted to stay, also, but Hendry realizes what he’s losing. Himes had no back-up plan — Jose Guzman’s one good start notwithstanding.

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 6:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll never forget...

how excited I was to learn that the Cubs had signed Guzman. Of course, at the age of 10, I didn’t realize that Jose Guzman even existed and that we had signed him, not Juan.

by kanderber on Nov 13, 2008 6:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Look at it this way

You were no less qualified to be GM!

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I guess you never worked before

I guess you would take half the salary at a job knowing that it is very likely the last time you will have a really high paying job.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 6:44 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

The difference, of course....

… is that most working people would jump at that because they NEED it to survive.

Kerry Wood has already made enough money that he’ll never have to work again when he retires from baseball.

Perspective, please.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 7:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

I refuse to judge anyone who can jump at a better situation, whether he’s making $8 million or $8 an hour.

Another team will give him four years guaranteed. At his age and with his history, that’s not a small thing.

The Cubs have had since 1998 to put a ring on Kerry Wood’s finger. He owes them NOTHING. The Cubs owe him NOTHING.

By the way, original poster. Kerry Wood IS one of the most popular Cubs of all time.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Nov 13, 2008 7:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But as someone said earlier today...

a hometown discount is a few million or maybe a year. Hometown discounts usually aren’t approaching $20 million. This is likely Wood’s last big contract. He also knows he has been injured before in the past. How can anyone say he should accept what the Cubs want to offer.

Personally, I wouldn’t give him 4/$40+ but if Wood can get it from the Mets or whoever, good for him. He should take it.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 8:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'd agree.

We’ll see if such a deal is forthcoming.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I watched...

Mark Grace win a title with another team

I watched Andre Dawson play for the Fishies

It happens. I hope Wood does well, unless he’s playing the Cubs and then I hope he melts down.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Nov 13, 2008 8:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al, you are such an idealist!

Players (and their agents) are mercenaries. An athlete is going to maximize his income potential, whether or not he’s worth the money. Look at the money wasted on a washed-up Eric Gagne. Again, the next pitch Wood throws could be his last.

There is just too much agonizing over this, overall. I cringe over the lack of a World Series in my liofetime, not over any individual player.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 13, 2008 9:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Ummm.... is he signing a 10 year contract?

Kerry Wood is going to be 31 starting the 2009 season.

Also, once he is out of work, he will find plenty of work in baseball or some other kind of business. Will it pay $40M over 5-6 years? No. But unless he can’t invest worth shit and figure out how to make money from money, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal.

by IllinoisCubs on Nov 13, 2008 8:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Easy to say

When it isn’t your money

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 8:18 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And tell that to every major CEO, Rock Star, Actor, Ball Player, etc.

Easy for you to say, just pass up the $20 Million you have too much already.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just remember this.

Sometimes ballplayers go to teams for the most dollars — and find they are very unhappy.

That’s the thing that money cannot buy you.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And he may regret it

but it is his perogative to test the market.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 9:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Although I was very little at that time

Does this remind anyone of the Maddux situation?

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 7:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

It's like deja vu all over again!

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 7:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The question, not the situation

Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson

by Shanghai Badger on Nov 13, 2008 7:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

No

Maddux was young and coming into his own. His salary demands were that much. That was a complete mismanagement of the situation. This is a business decision. The Cubs don’t think Wood is worth the 4/40+ that he thinks he can get.

by rlpete on Nov 13, 2008 7:46 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

no

Maddux was 26 and not missed a start back to High School and just won a Cy Young. Also there was a lot of game playing on
the part of Tribco in making and than pulling back offers. The one similarity is that both had wanted to stay. In the end the difference between what the Cubs had technically offered ( before they pulled it back) and what he got from the Braves was very little. Cubs will never top letting Maddux go in terms of incredibly bad moved , though I do letting Wood go is a bad mistake.

"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry

by Doggie Stalker on Nov 14, 2008 3:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Grow up

This is a business and it has always been a business.

I’ve said it a million times. People like money. It allows them to buy neat things. People want MORE money.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Nov 13, 2008 7:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Your screen name should be Gordon Gekko.

"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides

by CaliCub on Nov 13, 2008 8:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wood was a good dude...

…and a darn good closer, but considering the holes that need to be filled it was the right move.

The goal is to win a world series, and the way you do that is to put the best 25 you can on the roster.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 8:17 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

And I believe having Kerry Wood on the roster rather than Kevin Gregg would accomplish part of that goal.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

meh...

it saddens me to know Wood will never win a WS with us..

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 8:31 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If money didn't matter...

…I would agree, but all 25 get paid and it won’t be cheap to do the things they need to.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 9:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If only he would resign for a small contract

Think of that bullpen, how stacked it would be!

Wood, Marmol, Gregg, Marshall, Shark, Gaudin

Damn!

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 8:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Never say never.

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

by Al on Nov 13, 2008 8:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

haha speaking of that

I cannot WAIT for the new Bond movie tomorrow!

To see your idol player whom you have grown up watching be cast aside by his loyal organization can make even a grown man choke up...We'll miss you #34!

by Chanman25 on Nov 13, 2008 9:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Never be the same?

Ron Santo/Don Kessinger to the White Sox…

Glenn Beckert to the Padres…

Billy Williams to the A’s…

Andre Dawson leaves as a free agent…

Mark Grace to the D-Backs…..

The only situation that really was handled badly was the Greg Maddux fiasco.

However, the sun continued to rise in the east and set in the west and the Cubs still played in the National League.

Enough. Hopefully, there won’t be 15 boo-hoo threads here tomorrow…

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 13, 2008 9:22 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Ode to Kerry

I think a big part of watching sports is that it allows us to connect with the child still within us. Not just that it brings back memories, but it also allows to act irrationally and get emotional about things that probably don’t matter. But there are times when instead of our inner child erupting in joy after a win or a trade, our inner child is wounded and hurt. Though your adult logic tells you, “it’s okay. it’s probably the right move. it’s just another player,” the boy within still can’t get over the shock that one of his heroes, and at that age they are heroes, will no longer be there for him. The day Jeremy Roenick was one of those days for me. So was the day Ryne Sandberg abruptly retired. Today is another one of those days.

Kerry, to me, was to pitching what Guns N’ Roses were to music, to unfortunately borrow an analogy from Bill Simmons. When he could keep it all together, there simply hasn’t been a more exciting Cub in my lifetime. Kerry—when he was on—didn’t just simply shut down teams. He obliterated them. What was so exciting about Kerry wasn’t just the one 20k game, but the feeling that he could do it again. It was never that out of the question. But just like Axl, Slash, Izzy, and Duff, it was all simply too fragile, and too powerful to stay together too long. And once one strand went, they all went. Kerry could also be downright awful, walking 4 in an inning or giving up 3 HR’s in an inning. Then of course, the injuries.

But all of it endeared him even more. You always love the girl most who can piss you off the most, and it was the same with #34. And after it all, I didn’t just think Kid K was going to be on the mound for the final out of the World Series, I KNEW IT. And with that, it all would have been worth it. We would have gotten that pay off. But now we’ll never get that day, and the pain of last season stings a little more.

Goodbye, Kerry. Best of luck to you. The 27-year old writing this knows I’ll get over it, and that the Cubs have to cut costs somewhere, and that we can’t trust you with a 4 year deal. But the 8-year old within is clutching his Wood jersey, tears filling his eyes, asking, “Why does he have to go? Why?”

by SamFels on Nov 13, 2008 9:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Emotional investment in players

It’s a funny thing. I’ve loved Kerry Wood as a Cub. But, what did that get me? A sweep from the playoff’s two years in a row. Time to ditch the sentimentality. If this makes the Cubs better, I am good with it. We have issues to deal with. Gregg and Marmol will both probably close out some games. We need a left handed stick. We need a pinch hitting specialist. We need starting pitching that won’t wilt in the playoffs. If losing Kerry helps free up money to deal with these other issues it is time to move on.

by Nibbles on Nov 13, 2008 10:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Now, we're talkin'.....

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 14, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

OK, fine.

My opinion is, this doesn’t make the team better. All it does is save money.

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

by Al on Nov 14, 2008 3:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al...

…I think its too early to tell. In fact, way too early.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll see.

So far, I’m not impressed.

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

by Al on Nov 15, 2008 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Al,

What if this move has nothing to do with money and everything to do with Lou wanting him gone? Obviously, it is speculation either way until Bruce Miles or someone finds out the real story.

Does Deep Goat know?

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

by DeRoMyHero on Nov 15, 2008 6:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Haven't asked.

I’ll see if I can find out.

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

by Al on Nov 15, 2008 6:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It's about...

…the name on the front of the jersey and not the one on the back. When a player, manager or GM get hung up on names and don’t concentrate on putting the team first, that is what causes an organization to underperform.

As an avid fan, I come to appreciate some players more than others and I certainly appreciated Kerry Wood. But, I also realize that its not always possible to have a championship team and a team filled with your favorite players.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 11:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

While that is true...

… I think Kerry Wood contributed to the Cubs beyond his statistics (which were, in 2008, good enough to merit return, in my opinion).

That’s why he should be back, not just because he’s one of my favorites.

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

by Al on Nov 15, 2008 4:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Nothing against Wood...

…because he gave his all, but lets indeed hope its not the same, lets hope they actually win something.

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

by MPH73 on Nov 13, 2008 10:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

All I was trying to say went I posted this was..

Hey, I’m pissed. I wanted to see Kerry take us to the top apparently more than some of you. I feel ripped off to have Kevin Gregg as my replacement for quite possibly the most popular cub for the last 20 years. I guess I was venting because I can’t see Kerry any happier then he was here this passed year. I don’t feel he owes the cubs anything more, but I thought he wasn’t one of those " I’v raked in over 100 million in ten years in cash the last ten years, but I need to leave to provide for my family" type of guys. I guess I am just in awe. It’s just gonna be the oddest thing seeing him in another jersey, god forbid a mets one. It sounds like some of you still hold out hope for a miracle deal, but the door appears to be shut unless he starts reading some of these comments. It’s a sad day to be a cub fan, I just hoped for a better start to free agency then this…

by cliffyhoops03 on Nov 13, 2008 11:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i am sad :(

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Nov 13, 2008 11:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

i will always think back to wood and Prior and that SI cover

and what could have been

"I played with one of the best pitchers in history, Greg Maddux," Zambrano said"

by fischisgod on Nov 13, 2008 11:33 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I heard a quote once

I heard a quote once that went something like “of all the thoughts of tongue and pen the saddest of all is what might have been”

"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 14, 2008 10:00 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But, it wasn't

and all the Kerry Wood’s and the Mark Prior’s of the world didn’t win the Cubs anything but a few divisional titles.

And there’s no reason to hold anything against Kerry Wood. His time to make as much money as he can is very, very short given his age, and injury history. If some idiot wants to give him enough money to make he and his family wealthier — he should take it. This is a business. It doesn’t mean he is worth it, it is what the market will bear.

There was so much talk about Soriano’s contract — many here said he wasn’t worth it. Is any player really worth paying ungodly sums of money on? Of course not. But, the Cubs were willing to pay what Soriano’s market value was. (at that time, anyway) So, complaining over his contract is foolish — whining about any athlete’s contract is a waste of time.

And DO NOT tell me you would not leave your job for a new one that would set you and your family up for the rest of your life, especially if it is something you love to do. I would not believe you. If one has the ability, and is fortunate enough to have these dollars thrown at you —TAKE THEM.

“Sad day to be a Cubs fan?”

No, those days came in the failures of 1969, 1984, 1989, 1998, 2003, 2007 and 2008 — and the teams that finished with 90+ losses. It’s not because an aging pitcher isn’t being resigned.

Stop looking back at what NEVER WAS and let’s look forward to a better future.

by San Diego Smooth Jazz Man on Nov 14, 2008 2:35 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Bravo!!!

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

by MPH73 on Nov 14, 2008 11:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

um, I did....

I left one job for another in the same industry, at a 25% reduction in salary and a commute that’s four times longer. Why? Because I valued peace of mind more than money.

"The object of a ball game for the fan is not to be entertained. It is to win." - Max Lapides

by CaliCub on Nov 15, 2008 10:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It is the right decision

Baseball is a business. Wood moving on is a business decision. Pure and simple. I am grateful for all that Kerry Wood has done, but it is over. It is not fair to expect him to stay in Chicago for a short contract, and the Cubs simply don’t need to sign him to a 3-or-4 year deal. Here is hoping he is successful at his next stop, where ever it is.

In the middle of a good time, Truth gave me her icy kiss. Look around, you must be joking. All that way, all that way for this? -Oysterband

by Ross on Nov 13, 2008 11:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Not shedding any tears

Please don’t jump all over me, because I do respect the opinions here, but am I the only one who really doesn’t care that Woody’s gone? He made things difficult for us with the month-long blister situation (I don’t think it was as bad as they made it seem), his September was horrendous, yes he had 34 saves but in my mind was an alright closer at best. When he was good, he was REALLY good, and when he was bad, he was REALLY bad. Never totally felt safe with him taking the mound in the ninth.

I always thought it was unfair to the idea of “progress” by letting Mark Prior go yet keeping Kerry around. I’m not saying it was unfair that Prior was let go, because it was. But Wood’s had just about as many issues as Prior has over his career, so I think by keeping him this long was a bit of a regression on our part.

I do wish Kerry the best wherever he goes. Fun as hell to watch when he had his stuff. But it’s time to move on, and I for one welcome the change.

by AeroZach on Nov 14, 2008 4:43 PM CST reply actions 0 recs