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Wood close to signing with Indians

According to mlb.com, Kerry Wood is close to signing a two year deal with the Cleveland Indians. The article suggests an option for a third year is a possibility. I didn't notice any dollar amounts suggested in the article.

If this is true, it appears he will get a multi-year deal, albeit in the AL, despite his apparent preference for the NL. Hope Wood does well for the Indians, and it does prevent some weirdness in facing him this year, although if I'm not mistaken, the Cubs do play the Tribe in interleague this year

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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good I hope he stones the ChiSox every chance he gets!

Good for Woody!

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

by Ivy Walls on Dec 9, 2008 1:25 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

This is one of the perfect teams for Kerry

This way I can still cheer for him, and he can’t hurt the Cubs.

Let the Blaine Gabbert era begin.

by nji232 on Dec 9, 2008 1:27 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Ah, you beat me to it by like one minute, I just hit publish!

Good for him though, the Indians still have a lot of great players and the one of the favorites for R.O.Y. in Matt LaPorta…..great deal for Wood, Im sure he’ll be an All-Star closer again

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 Dec 9, 2008 1:29 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Sigh....

Looks like there’ll be no chance for a miracle that’ll bring him back then… :(

by hmlee on Dec 9, 2008 1:33 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well...

… at least he’ll be in the other league.

If this happens, circle June 19-20-21 on your calendar — that’s when the Indians will be at Wrigley Field.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 1:39 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Gregg or Marmol

Who do you think will make a better closer for the Cubs? The closer role may not be decided until the end of spring training.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 9, 2008 1:58 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

spring training?

I thought it was pretty much a given that Marmol’s been given the closer spot.

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 9, 2008 2:02 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I agree.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 2:07 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Why So Cut and Dried?

Gregg has more experience in the closer role than Marmol. I’d like to see an open competition in spring training for the job. I like Marmol more than Gregg, but the transition from set-up guy to closer can be difficult. I think Marmol is capable, but I’d like to see Gregg have a shot at winning that job in spring training.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 9, 2008 2:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

More experience, maybe.

More walks, definitely.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 2:13 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Walks: A Problem

Gregg’s number of walks does bother me. Marmol’s walk totals are even a little too high for my taste. I’d like to see which pitcher can do more to cut down on the problem. Obviously, Gregg has more work to do than Marmol.

I’m impressed with Wood only walking 18 in 66 1/3 innings this past season. I was always unhappy with the amount of walks he gave up as a starter. It’s too bad he won’t be with the club next season.

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 9, 2008 2:22 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Do we have enough for Putz?

Just curious as he would come cheaper than Wood was going to cost us.

100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.

by airweino on Dec 9, 2008 2:59 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Probably not, and...

… why would you want to trade for another closer?

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 3:11 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

for the sheer comedic value of listening to Ron every time Putz gets up in the bullpen or comes in

I’m paraphrasing a bit, but I recall hearing this exchange either last year or the year before during a slow game

Ron: What about that closer for Seattle, what’s his name.. Puhtz?
Pat: I think that’s pronounced Pootz, Ron.
Ron: Yeah, Puhtz… heh heh

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

by ballhawk on Dec 9, 2008 6:34 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Well...

that would be one reason.

The other would be that I kinda like Marmol as a multi-innings RP guy. Plus I really think our pen is a ton weaker than last year and is going to come back and haunt us…

100 years would have been nice, but 101 years still has a nice ring to it.

by airweino on Dec 10, 2008 12:03 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

this is just so wrong...

"That’s the great thing about baseball, you never know what’s going to happen till you get the final out." — Lou Piniella

by drewishdrewid on Dec 9, 2008 1:59 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

If Kerry is wrong

I don’t wanna be right, I don’t wanan be right drew.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 2:06 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

this is good

as i am also a huge Indians fan. Good for Wood.

by TJ3117 on Dec 9, 2008 2:03 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Well, it's sad to think it is truly over.....

….but best of luck to him and I’m glad it’s in the American League.

It’s a good pick up for them. I’m interested in the dollar amount, though. Saw a lot of speculation about the Tigers the past couple of days, none about Cleveland.

Whoever said you can't mix business with pleasure never owned a PuttPutt course---Andy Bernard

by carmen_fanzone on Dec 9, 2008 2:12 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

This means I'll be rooting for the Indians!

One of the teams that I would be happy to see Kerry pitch for. And it makes sure that my worst nightmare doesn’t come true (Kerry Wood in a Cardinals’ uniform!)

by storkysm on Dec 9, 2008 2:22 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

My worst nightmare

Was Kerry in a Brewers uniform

by hmlee on Dec 9, 2008 2:23 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

My worst nightmare

Was Kerry not in a Cubs uniform :(

by cubfanwill on Dec 9, 2008 2:28 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

well that is pretty much hmlee's response as well

He leaving + Brewers uni

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 3:21 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Yep. For those of us with WI ties,

that would have really sucked.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 9, 2008 2:48 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I don't have any Wisconsin neck ties, do you?

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 3:07 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Two of them

But could only find one online picture.

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

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 9, 2008 3:36 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Ahhh

You win this round Badger.

Evey Hammond: Vi Veri Veniversum Vivus Vici. V: By the power of truth, I, while living, have conquered the universe.

by dtpollitt on Dec 9, 2008 6:04 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Muwah ha ha

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

by Shanghai Badger on Dec 9, 2008 6:05 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I had so hoped for Kerry Wood would always remain a Cub and take us to the WS.

But I guess not.

"I'm not much of a chemistry guy, you know. Chemistry to me is a pinch-hit double with the bases loaded"--Jim Frey, Chicago Tribune, 1985.

by zevkalman on Dec 9, 2008 2:35 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

That would have been the cherry on top

"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse

by BigJohnAZ on Dec 9, 2008 2:47 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I think the Tribe is a great fit for Woody.

I really like the Indians next year, I could never figure out why they played so poorly last year. For some reason, they are an every other year team in recent years. They were good in 2005, and 2007 but mediocre to bad in 2006 and 2008.

Don’t you think it’s a little odd that the Indian’s last closer (Joe Borowski) was also a former Cub?

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Dec 9, 2008 2:57 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Idea

Anyone want to go to the Cell for a game as a group when he comes in with the Tribe?

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by cubstoseriesby100 on Dec 9, 2008 2:59 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Why bother?

The Indians will be at Wrigley Field June 19-20-21.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 3:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Tickets at the Cell

will PROBABLY be a bit easier/cheaper to come by for those of us who are season ticket holders….

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 9, 2008 4:12 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Good point.

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Dec 9, 2008 4:47 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

oops i forgot

Just got an email from my Indian fan friend saying this is hot out there and most Indian fans are excited.

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by cubstoseriesby100 on Dec 9, 2008 6:58 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Indians at the Cell

June 5-7
July 7-9
August 7-9

"The big possum walks late." - Harry Caray

by memphiscub on Dec 9, 2008 3:22 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Stupid scheduling.

They play the Sox at the Cell the first weekend of June, then come back to Chicago to play the Cubs two weeks later, then come BACK to the Cell again two and a half weeks after that.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 3:41 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

If it makes anyone feel better...

ESPN is saying that it’s not quite as close to a done deal as might have been reported…(though I’d guess this is partly just posturing):

A source with Cleveland indicated that the Indians are still “actively engaged in the closer market” but haven’t settled on one player or finalized a deal yet. There have been reports the team is close to reaching an agreement with free-agent righty Kerry Wood.

by CubsWin!Oregon on Dec 9, 2008 3:05 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I can live with him going to the Indians, don't we play them this season too?

so he could return to Wrigley!

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 3:17 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I posted the Cubs/Indians Wrigley dates two other places in this thread.

But hey, let’s make it three.

June 19-20-21.

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 3:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

three times a charm, huh?

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 3:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Apparently so!

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 4:33 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Plus he will be able to wear his number 34, since no Indian wears it and its not retired

I can root for them definitely, especially because they are the enemy of the Sox! I mean perhaps in two years he could even come back to the Cubs, right?

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 3:24 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

if he's going anywhere else

that’s the place i’d be most comfortable seeing him. I like that Indians team and I can root for him without hurting the Cubs

by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 9, 2008 3:26 PM CST reply actions   1 recs

Absoposilutely.

Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.

by dat cubfan daver on Dec 9, 2008 4:35 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

+1

and rec’d

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

by Al on Dec 9, 2008 4:44 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Good for Kerry

Go from one cursed franchise to another!

Best of luck to him.

The worst beer I had was pretty good.

by Worf on Dec 9, 2008 3:56 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Hope this is the case

Will go to Baltimore when the Tribe is in town.
 Just hope he does sign in the AL, God forbid he would sign with the Brewers.
  Woody should still be a Cub, however Cleveland is a good fit.

"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"

by Grockcubs on Dec 9, 2008 4:10 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

if this is true

much better than seeing him in the National League or, worse, in the NL Central.

Im still super ticked that he wont be a member of the Cubs though. :(

by DunstontoSandbergtoGrace on Dec 9, 2008 4:11 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

Dare I say, wouldn't it be grand

for the Indians and Cubs to face each other in the World Series?

Hey, it's a new century!

by cowsarecool220 on Dec 9, 2008 4:49 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

it would be grand

for the Cubs to play anyone in the World Series.

by socalbob on Dec 9, 2008 4:56 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

+1

Dear Santa:: All I want for X-mas this year is an official 2009 Jake Peavy Cubs Jersey. Oh and a Beimel one too. I've been a real good guy for the most part!!!

by cubsluver22 on Dec 9, 2008 5:02 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It's my greatest dream...

…and my worst nightmare!

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

by ballhawk on Dec 9, 2008 6:37 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

It would be grand

for the Cubs to win a playoff game…

Brian McRae's 5 o'clock shadow

by PurpleLineToWrigley on Dec 10, 2008 9:08 AM CST up reply actions   0 recs

I wish the Chicago press had done more to investigate

why the Cubs decided that they didn’t want Kerry back so much that they refused even to offer him arbitration. There remains a disconnect between Kerry’s statements 1) that he’d do “anything” to remain a Cub and 2) that he knew this was coming for a year and the Cubs’ public stance that it’s just about money. Why haven’t Lou and Jim been pushed to answer more questions?

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 Dec 9, 2008 6:12 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

sounds like a great question

to be asked at the Cubs Convention. The media is not going to dig this up apparently.

by socalbob on Dec 9, 2008 6:16 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

whether it's an answer that's well accepted or not,

it’s because the cubs could not a.) resign Ryan Dempster/alternative starter, b.) obtain a LH slugger of the caliber they desire, and c.) resign Kerry Wood to a respectable (and appropriate) contract. A, B, & C could not all be done within the 09 budget. A & B are the offseason priorities identified by the front office. We may disagree with those, and possibly for good reason, however they are the priorities, and fulfilling them is more important to the Cubs than resigning Wood. So even offering him arb, considering the likeliness of him accepting would have cost the Cubs 10 mil or so, which would have prevented them from fulfilling A & B considering the budget.

by philadelphiacub on Dec 9, 2008 7:23 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

You have bought the Cubs story, which is understandable.

First: But Kerry said he would do “anything” to remain a Cub. That would conceivably include taking a deal that paid 5 M in 2009 (= to Gregg) and 12 M in 2010. That means the Cubs could have done all they wanted to do.

Second: Kerry also said he knew this was coming for a whole year. There’s no reason the Cubs would have known at the beginning of 2008 that they would not be able to afford Kerry in 2009. This is clear because 1) no one expected Demp to be this expensive and 2) no one expected we’d need to replace Fukudome.

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 Dec 9, 2008 7:28 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Al knows

And he isn’t telling :(

by GoCubbies34 on Dec 9, 2008 7:42 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

well,

1.) Wood may have said he would do anything to remain a Cub, but his agent never brought it up in discussions. I think we’re reading too much into what Wood said after it was announced he wouldn’t be back- “I’d do anything to stay here” means this is obviously my first choice- not give me a blank contract and I’ll sign it, or give #34 to Marquis or I’ll carry the pink bag at every game

2.) Wood knew it was coming because it was obvious to him and everyone else that Carlos Marmol is the future closer; that only relates to budget in that Marmol is still really cheap

by philadelphiacub on Dec 9, 2008 10:22 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Again, you're accepting the Cubs version of things.

They may be right. But I want questions asked.

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 Dec 9, 2008 11:32 PM CST up reply actions   0 recs

Another thought

Wouldn’t it be great if the main reason the Indians beat up the Sox is them getting a great closer?

MaIne South Hawks 2008 Class 8a Champs!

by cubstoseriesby100 on Dec 9, 2008 7:01 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

I have a feeling that Kerry will play for the Cubs again

hell, maybe I’m just naive..

"Charles Tillman is one of the best strippers in the NFL" - John Madden 11/30/08 Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings game

by Chanman25 on Dec 9, 2008 8:48 PM CST reply actions   0 recs

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