2008 Community Projections: Kerry Wood

by Al Yellon on Mar 4, 2008 8:29 AM CST in Community Projections

We've gone through virtually all of the starting rotation candidates -- though I may add Sean Gallagher and Kevin Hart later, depending on how likely/unlikely it is that either will have a shot at the rotation.

So let's examine the three Closer Candidates. We'll begin with Kerry Wood, who is trying to reinvent his career with a shift to closing, something he seems well suited for both stuff-wise and temperament-wise.

I'm going to say right now that I think Wood will win the Closer Derby -- both for the reasons stated above, and also because I think Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol are both more valuable to the Cubs as setup men. Wood will drive us nuts at times, and might have a few spectacular blown saves. But I also believe he will get the job done.

For closers, use all the same categories as starters, except use GF (games finished) instead of GS (games started), and add SV and SVOPP.

G 70
GF 60
IP 73
H 58
ER 28
BB 37
SO 80
W 2
L 3
SV 31
SVOPP 35
ERA 3.45
WHIP 1.30

Kerry Wood's career stats at baseball-reference.com

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Woody

G 74
GF 49
IP 74
H 49
ER 26
BB 40
SO 83
W 2
L 2
SV 38
SVOPP 42
ERA 3.16
WHIP 1.203

I too think Wood will be the closer. I think he'll do really well in that role.

"Oh well, there's always next year!!!" Every Cub fan

by McRipper on Mar 4, 2008 9:27 AM CST reply actions

I believe that Kerry...

will be an above average closer for the remainder of his career. Just not this year.

G 55
GF 20
IP 55
H 50
ER 22
BB 23
SO 60
W 4
L 6
SV 8
SVOPP 11
ERA 3.60
WHIP 1.33

by Damen Jackson on Mar 4, 2008 9:38 AM CST reply actions

Kerry Wood

G 45
IP 42
W 3
L 3
SV 17
ERA 2.60
WHIP .96

by MDBNIU on Mar 4, 2008 9:43 AM CST reply actions

Could you add the other categories, please?

n/t

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

by Al Yellon on Mar 4, 2008 9:54 AM CST up reply actions

Kerry

I predict Kerry is the closer but Marmol gets more chances than normal for the 2nd guy.

G 65
ERA 2.67
K 87
W 34
SV 40
BS 3

Diseases cured 3
People saved from burning buildings 10

We are all waiting for that glorious October night when we finally win it all. Until then we will continue to cheer, never do the wave and hope.

by puckishcubsfan on Mar 4, 2008 10:00 AM CST reply actions

I believe...

that children are the future...teach them well and let them lead the way, and that Kerry will step into the closer role fairly early and do just fine.

G 63
GF 53
IP 69
H 56
ER 25
BB 36
SO 77
W 2
L 3
SV 28
SVOPP 33
ERA 3.57
WHIP 1.33

As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.

by santoswoodenlegs on Mar 4, 2008 11:15 AM CST reply actions

Wood Thoughts

We all have a warm spot in our hearts for Woody. Still, he has not made it through a full season since 2003 (and even then his arm was toast during that final NLCS start). I have to expect him to miss 2-3 months again until he can prove otherwise. I still think that the team wants Howry to close, but I can see Kerry in the role for a short burst or two thanks to Bobby's typical slow starts.

G 45
GF 20
IP 50
H 40
ER 21
BB 26
SO 55
W 4
L 5
SV 7
SVOPP 12
ERA 3.78
WHIP 1.32

by Qixotl on Mar 4, 2008 11:25 AM CST reply actions

I agree

We can't logically expect him to pitch a full season - something he hasn't done since 2003. These stats look about right (the ones Qixotl posted)

I would bet on Marmol to be the closer, the way things look now. Not that I support that. He's such a high quality 7th and 8th inning guy - it would be a shame to lose him in that role. But maybe if he is closer, Lou will be smart and give him a lot of 2-inning save opportunities a la Joe Torre with Rivera.

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 4, 2008 12:45 PM CST up reply actions

tony412

G 57
GF 21
IP 64
H 59
ER 25
BB 31
SO 74
W 4
L 2
SV 12
SVOPP 14
ERA 3.24
WHIP 1.40

"We're going to turn this team around 360 degrees." -Jason Kidd

by tony412 on Mar 4, 2008 1:36 PM CST reply actions

Wood

G 50
GF 7
IP 75
H 60
ER 15
BB 35
SO 120
W 2
L 1
SV 3
SVOPP 4
ERA 1.8
WHIP 1.22
Plus 1 Emergency Start not reflected above
IP 5
Runs 0
Hits 3
Walks 3
K's 7
Wood leaves in 0 - 0 tie after very strong outing but has to rest for next five games. Cubs decide good setup man more important.

by frustratedfan on Mar 4, 2008 1:40 PM CST reply actions

Good thought

that he makes an emergency start. The stats you gave (5 innings, no runs, leaves in a tie) remind me a lot of his 1998 playoff start (which was his first appearance after a month on the DL).

"Hey hey - kiss it goodbye! That one's in Milwaukee! Man oh man did he hit it. Isn't that something?" - Lou Boudreau, 5-17-79

by danimal15 on Mar 4, 2008 2:55 PM CST up reply actions