Kerry Wood...another discussion

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 17, 2008 9:06 AM CDT

I was just wondering poeples opinions on if they think that Kerry Wood would ever be a starter again. He is a good closer. But, it would be hard to ignore a rotation made up of parts from Z, Harden, Wood, Demp (if resigned), Lilly, Hill (if returned)and even marshall, and players like sheets and sabathia going to free agency after this season...wow!

This may be a little bit of a dream post, but, let me know your thoughts.

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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Too risky..

IMO. Although I cannot deny that I believe Kerry might get the itch to attempt a rotation comeback after another year or two of closing, I feel it is too much of a health risk to push him back into the rotation.

Free Ronny Cedeno

by Kansas25 on Jul 17, 2008 9:14 AM CDT reply actions

doubt it

Ever article I’ve seen with him, says he really is getting “into” closing.

"It's a funny old world. Man's lucky if he gets out of it alive." W.C. Fields

by KedzieKid on Jul 17, 2008 9:19 AM CDT reply actions

If it ain't broke

Well, you know the rest.

I think this role suits Kerry just fine. I know he has blown a couple of saves (who doesn’t), but it is a nice feeling to have that excitement buzzing when Wood comes in the game, where you just think, “this one is over.”

by SuperContext on Jul 17, 2008 9:26 AM CDT reply actions

Unfortunately, we are being seduced by Wood right now

Two years ago the medical advice given to Wood was that his arm wasn’t really repairable anymore and that their best advice would be for him to hang it up. Woods didn’t want to give up. He elected not to go under the knife and let hard work and time hopefully provide healing power. Well, it’s worked. But even Kerry Wood would admit that he is pitching on more guts at this stage and that his arm is a ticking timebomb that could go kablooey at any moment.

Enjoy the ride while it lasts. It could go on for another year or two, or it could come to crashing end in a week.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply actions

Seduced?

Ticking Timebomb?

Everyone knows Wood has his well known history of injuries. But your total over the top pessimism regarding Kerry is misplaced. Any pitcher that takes the mound is at risk of injury, Kerry somewhat more so than most, sure. But his role as closer is absolutely ideal for giving him the best chance of remaining healthy. And healthy he is—nobody throws in the mid-high 90’s with a bum arm. His overall workout and diet regimen is superb.

Let’s celebrate Kerry’s comeback and enjoy watching him save games …. and leave the bleak gloom and doom forecasts regarding Kerry (and for that matter, all things Cubs) behind us. Try taking a walk on the sunny side of the street once in awhile, friend.

If It Takes Forever ....

by wrigley1 on Jul 17, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions

Over-the-top pessimism? BlueMike?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions

No, you're not right here

I love Kerry Wood and hope that he achieves vindication and a World Series ring as member of the Cub. What he has had to conquer in his career is amazing. Wood is a survivor and an extreme competitor. You root for guys like Wood. Anybody does.

But that doesn’t eliminate the fact that Kerry Wood has a profoundly damaged right arm. The risk of his arm blowing up is known. Wood understands this and the Cubs understand this. But I’m not going to obsess about the worry while the ride if finally real, real good. My only hope is that Wood can serve as integral member of a World Series Champion before he sucuumbs for good to the arm problems.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 17, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions

Amazing.

This post manages to be somewhat positive while being utterly soul crushing at the exact same time. And this sentence:

But I’m not going to obsess about the worry while the ride if finally real, real good.

Wow. Just wow.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

Yeah man

I took a “ride if finally real” it wasn’t real good.

by StevenABQ on Jul 17, 2008 4:17 PM CDT up reply actions

The hypocracy

is dripping. A post like this about Kerry Wood while calling loudly for weeks for us to go and get Harden? You Do amaze me, blue mike.

by Archie on Jul 17, 2008 11:03 AM CDT up reply actions

Has Rich Harden ever gone under the knife?

Answer is no. Have the medical experts found anything structurally wrong with Rich Harden’s arm? Answer is again no. So comparing Rich Harden to Kerry Wood is just a wee bit silly.

Look, the ride with Wood if finally real, real good. But I’m not about to ignore the fact that the ride could horribly fall off the tracks at any moment. I just want Wood to hold up to participate in and enjoy a World Series Championship. That’s all I ask for. Making proclamation that he should once again be moved into the rotation or that he might become the next Dennis Eckersley is ridiculously uninformed of the reality of Kerry Wood’s right arm.

Rich Harden Fever, Catch It !!!!!!!!!!

by MDBNIU on Jul 17, 2008 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

I'm sorry, but...

Look, the ride with Wood if finally real, real good.

Isn’t there a verb missing here?

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 11:18 AM CDT up reply actions

you are

ridiculously uninformed of the reality of Kerry Wood’s right arm.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 17, 2008 12:49 PM CDT up reply actions

I'd say he's ridiculously uninformed...

...of the reality of reality.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions

Has Harden ever pitched more than 200 innings a season ?

He has not even pitched one hundred innings in the last few seasons ? Harden looks
great for now but career wise he is not fit to carry Kerry’s jock strap.

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

by Doggie Stalker on Jul 17, 2008 3:19 PM CDT up reply actions

Kerry's problem

His problem is when he goes over 60 pitches. He has shown time and time again this season that he can be a successful closer. I see no reason to think that he is going to break down in that role.

Don’t forget, he’s in his first year of closing. I’d say he’s ahead of schedule.

by Kornchex on Jul 17, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions

to the See and Say!

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 17, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions

oh, and once again,

this does not include all of the truth.

Woody WAS ready to give up last year. Then something (we don’t know what) fell into place.

An arm that throws 97 mph isn’t a time-bomb.

"We expect to win. We go out to win. So we're just living up to our own expectations." Derrek Lee, 5/29/08

by drewishdrewid on Jul 17, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions

He's doing a fine job now in his current role...

and its much better for the overall health of his arm as far as I’m concerned.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." - Alvin Dark

by cubs199235 on Jul 17, 2008 9:30 AM CDT reply actions

That would be great

but I don’t think it’ll happen. I think he’s accepted that. If he tried starting again, he’d probably pull a Chet Steadman. I’d love to see it, but it won’t happen.

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on Jul 17, 2008 9:31 AM CDT reply actions

i think he IS chet steadman

they look sort of alike – we should start this up

"I'll play any day. I don't care if I'm 0-for-30, playing baseball is my PASSION. I'll go out and play." - Geo Soto

by CubbyBlues on Jul 17, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions

Absolutely!

Ever since he grew the facial hair, he’s a dead ringer. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

"Please move away from this vector and get into another coordinate pronto. There's no access for you in this quadrant." Mike Donnelly

by McRipper on Jul 17, 2008 10:33 AM CDT up reply actions

There is an envelope...

...and in Kerry’s case, it should not be pushed.

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

by MPH73 on Jul 17, 2008 9:38 AM CDT reply actions

Agreed.

He’s turning into a lights-out closer. Why not have a second career a la Dennis Eckersley?

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

by Al Yellon on Jul 17, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions

I think the chances are 0%.. I mean look at Prior... still not playing

Kerry is great in his closing role, and Dempster looks great in the starting role, If it aint broke then dont fix it

"This balls got a chaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannce, GONE!" - Pat Hughes

by SouthsideCUBSfan on Jul 17, 2008 9:55 AM CDT reply actions

Prior is done!

n/t

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

by MPH73 on Jul 17, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions

Given his health history...

...I think the chances of Woody returning to the rotation are minimal to nil. The risk is simply too great. Whatever he’s doing with his mechanics, it seems to be working. Barring the obvious disaster, I could see him going on to be one of the best closers in baseball for several years running at least.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 10:01 AM CDT reply actions

I'm pretty happy

with him right where he is now.

Carlos Zambrano and Rich Harden. Now that's a pair of Aces.

by sue369 on Jul 17, 2008 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

TWSS

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

by santoswoodenlegs on Jul 17, 2008 10:59 AM CDT up reply actions

Of course TWSS.

It’s right there in her post.

Nanika Ga Okoru!

by daver on Jul 17, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

No

He’s a good closer. Making him a starter again is too risky. Then who do they put as the closer? Ascaino?

"Check the magic of a winning season and there are always reasons beyond the talent." Ned Colleti

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 17, 2008 10:25 AM CDT reply actions

Not that I would want

Wood to leave that spot but I would guess Jose Ceda would be there before Ascanio

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 17, 2008 10:40 AM CDT up reply actions

Marmol?

Why would Ascanio or Ceda get the job before Marmol?

by princefieldersdiet on Jul 17, 2008 11:16 AM CDT up reply actions

I was just using thinking that I would prefer to keep him

as an 8th inning set-up guy

by CHCOWNTHECENTRAL on Jul 17, 2008 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

absolutly marmol...

it fits him…he needs pressure to suceed

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." --Alvin Dark

by preachermancubsfan on Jul 17, 2008 12:25 PM CDT up reply actions

Naivte thoughts and assessment

A closer, a truly dominant closer is probably the 2nd most important pitching role on the team behind the #1 ACE. There are few pitchers who can do it well but unfortunately for many fans caught up in the hype and promotion of the game they think the starters are the marque value.

Closing a game is psychologically important since losing a game that was on the brink of winning is so damaging.

Physically Wood is now in the right role and position and will learn to get better with each passing game/year.

As for thinking of next year, that is another fan trap. WHO THE FRIK CARES….next year will come but in the meantime…..there is this year!

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

by Ivy Walls on Jul 17, 2008 10:57 AM CDT reply actions

It's a fan trap to worry about the quality of your team for more than one year?

by sackings108 on Jul 17, 2008 11:00 AM CDT up reply actions

speaking of naive

You’re just flat out wrong. A good starting pitcher is much more valuable than even a great closer. Why? Well, how about we start with just innings pitched? 200 innings of above-average work is more valuable than 65 innings of superb work.

Also, can you prove that losing a game that was seemingly won (e.g., through a blown save) is psychologically damaging to the point of affecting the play of the team in general? I bet you can’t. Give me some numbers to back this up (I’ll save you some time… you’re not going to find them).

Do some research before you say things like this. Jeebus.

If a woman has to choose between catching a fly ball and saving an infant's life, she will choose to save the infant's life without even considering if there are men on base. ~Dave Barry

by mambochicken23 on Jul 17, 2008 12:12 PM CDT up reply actions

Not disagreeing...

But on the same token, doesn’t the closer have his decision on more games than a starter? For example… 200 innings / 6 innings per game.. about 34 games. 65 innings / 1 inning per game… 65 games. So the closer can decide the outcome of 65 games, whereas a starter can only effect 34.

Granted… without a good starter, a closer won’t matter. and unless your starter is going 9 innings, without a good closer, a starter won’t matter (see: Brewers)

Paging our local sabermagician.. cwyers … what is the expected games to be gained by a good starter vs a good closer?

by GoCubbies34 on Jul 17, 2008 12:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Not all innings are created equal.

Almost every inning that Kerry Wood has pitched this year has been a high-leverage, game-in-the-balance situation. It’s not always the case, but it is far more often than not.

A starting pitcher will occasionally take the mound with his team ahead by many, many runs and the outcome of the game pretty much decided. (Assuming, of course, that Marmol doesn’t implode and give up 5 runs in the 9th. But I digress.)

What I’m getting at is this – an elite starting pitcher will throw a ton more innings than an elite closer. But every almost single one of the innings thrown by the closer (or 8th inning “stopper”) will be a high-leverage, high-value situation. That has to be factored into your equation.

by D98 on Jul 17, 2008 2:18 PM CDT up reply actions

If by high leverage you mean

bases empty with as much as a three run lead. The odds of having a “high leverage” situation in 6 or 7 innings is much greater than in 1 inning, as well.

Steve Phillips on his computer use as Mets GM, "I played solitaire on my computer in my office."

by Tate491 on Jul 17, 2008 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions

lesson from Atlanta

Johm Schmoltz’s situation was a lot like Woodys. Granted the “arm” problems are a little different but same concept. I dont think it was Atlanta best choice to bring him back to a starter. It looks to me like his carrer is over now.

by pickupman21 on Jul 17, 2008 4:25 PM CDT reply actions