Kerry Wood/Cubs Overflow Thread: Friday News Conference
by Al Yellon on Dec 17, 2010 2:00 PM CST
in Chicago Cubs News
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This thread is posting at the time a news conference at Wrigley Field announcing the signing of Kerry Wood to return to the Cubs is supposed to begin. Here is a link to a live online stream of the news conference from our friends at CSN Chicago.
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Kerry Wood wants to stick around after his career ends.
Hope he doesn’t take the Ryne Sandberg career track.
still depressing
but i guess i will take cubs nation’s official position and express optimism about quade
Taj Gibson needs Horace Grant goggles
by paddyfairview on Dec 17, 2010 2:53 PM CST up reply actions
i hope everything is alright
with Kerry’s family
Perhaps i’m reading too much into it but I get the sense he’s dealing with some serious stuff that really made it imperative he be close to home. He seems so melancholy and matter of fact
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 17, 2010 2:13 PM CST reply actions
Me too
I have that feeling too I really hope I’m wrong.
Formerly known as cubstoseriesby100. Thanks Al for letting me change my outdated screenname.
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 17, 2010 2:15 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe.
I hope that somehow Ron knows he’s come back.
Formerly known as cubstoseriesby100. Thanks Al for letting me change my outdated screenname.
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 17, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sure he's clicking his heels.
I’m not a big “from the grave” type of guy, but I know Ronnie had something to do with this.
I just know it.
Late in the season, in the midst of an inning and it’s just past the top of the hour so Pat mentions that we’re due for a station break. Ron kinda mumbles "Didn’t we just have one of those?" and without missing a beat Pat says "About an hour ago."
by Champaign Cubbies on Dec 17, 2010 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Wood
Wood has a chance of being in that very special group of players that are “the Cubs”
Especially if we win it all with him on the team wouldn’t be too shocked if 34 one day hangs from a flagpole.
Formerly known as cubstoseriesby100. Thanks Al for letting me change my outdated screenname.
I hope he puts up many more very successful years with the Cubs
But at this point, I don’t think his on field performance as a Cub warrants his number being retired.
I'd be a little shocked if his number was retired
because as a result of all those injuries, his career wasn’t that good. At least not on a par with the ones already up there.
But I think even before this, he’ll forever be one of the special one of “the Cubs” who have a special place in the hearts of Cub fans for generations.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 17, 2010 3:17 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
What if he ends up in a broadcasting career? or a coaching career?
I’m not sure about that myself but just curious and was thinking about all of this.
Hot Time In Old Town SB Nation's blog for Chicago Fire, Soccer, & Chicago History
by Tweed Thornton on Dec 17, 2010 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
Well, nothing is impossible
But everyone up there is a Hall of Famer or will be in the Hall eventually. I can’t see Woody making the Hall unless he does it like Joe Torre.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 17, 2010 3:34 PM CST up reply actions
You don't retire numbers based on coaching or announcing.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 17, 2010 3:35 PM CST up reply actions
Yankees retired Billy Martin and Casey Stengel
And they were managers
It's time, guys. Let's win it for Ronnie...
Okay, announcing - I think you are right.
There’s no ‘number’ to that. But Mike below points out managers. I could see that especially if Kerry brought up a WS or two. Obviously getting WAY ahead of things with that one but food for thought.
Hot Time In Old Town SB Nation's blog for Chicago Fire, Soccer, & Chicago History
by Tweed Thornton on Dec 17, 2010 5:17 PM CST up reply actions
That's nice and all
But there are a few numbers that go with certain Cubs players. Have you ever seen someone walking around with a jersey number on their back and immediately thought of a player who wore that number before? Who cares about the final stats. I’d say that he had a solid, memorable career full of highlights for Cubs fans, and we wouldn’t have made the playoffs in 2003, 2007, or 2008 without him.
Other numbers that should be retired someday: Dawson #8 (should have happened already), Grace #17, and Wood #34. Why someone like Jeff Gray was able to wear it is beyond me.
Was this post perhaps sponsored by the publishers of "Cubs by the Numbers"?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
Newsflash
The Cubs existed before 1989. Or 1984. Or 1969. Someone else wore those numbers. Someone else will again. A future generation will have the same feelings.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 17, 2010 11:48 PM CST up reply actions
+1
retire only for the greats such as Santo, Banks, Maddux, etc…not for guys who had the potential to be great and just kind of hung around for a while
by hansman1982 on Dec 18, 2010 12:17 AM CST up reply actions
Retire Wood's number? Seriously?
And I thought the DeRomantics were over-the-top.
For the record, no way Grace’s number should be retired. He was not that good.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 18, 2010 9:10 AM CST up reply actions
Grace's number should NOT be retired...I agree, but...
…saying he’s “not that good” is absurd. The guy had 2201 hits in 13 years as a Cub. That ranks 5th all time on the Cubs.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
He was not that good to retire his number
that goes to HOFers (or guys like Santo who should be) and Grace is not a HOFer.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 19, 2010 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
I can see maybe Dawson...
….. But not the others. I think it’s weird to see anyone else but Kessinger wear 11, or Beckert’s 18, or Hundley’s 9, and frankly, I always thought it was weird to assign Maddux Fergie’s 31, but as much as I like Kessinger, Beckert and Hundley, their numbers shouldn’t be retired. Same for Grace.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
Cubs team that wins it all?????
not anytime soon. I doubt Wood’s career last that long.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 18, 2010 9:08 AM CST up reply actions
me, but maybe I am too jaded and cynical
this team is a long way from contending any time soon IMO
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 19, 2010 2:10 PM CST up reply actions
A mistake by the Cubs has been corrected!!!
by TJ11 on Dec 17, 2010 2:17 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
I like what you do here
but now I am confused. Is this entertainment, or how you really feel? I am not being “snarky”, but I genuinely would like to know. Thanks.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
It is a mystery isn't it Tek????
My feelings generally are around if you look to see them…..
Know this, a Cubs championship would make me VERY happy!!!!!
As for this question, I am totally on board with this signning…..They would have been beyond stupid not to take him back for a fraction of what they are paying Silva and Grabow!
I also believe this is all Wood and not Hendry or Ricketts…..Can you imagine if it got out that he would have signed for this but the Cubs wouldn’t talk to him? WOW!!!!!
An excellent move by the Cubs. For the team AND for the fans!!!!!!
by TJ11 on Dec 17, 2010 3:35 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I am no fan of Hendry as GM
But to say he had nothing to do with this is not likely correct.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 17, 2010 3:36 PM CST up reply actions
If Wood had gone much higher, would he be a Cub?
Wood came down to their levels….
by TJ11 on Dec 17, 2010 3:39 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
But one of the reasons he would take less than half
to play for the Cubs than the Sox is that Hendry has stayed close to him. Again this is the same reason Maddux who had numerous other offers chose to work for the Cubs. Hendry has a lot of flaws but his great strengh is that players both like and trust him.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 17, 2010 3:58 PM CST up reply actions
Isn't it more accurate that they hadn't talked at all, and happened to see each other at Santo's funeral?
That’s what Hendry says, anyway. Obviously I agree with everything else in the post.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
More absurdity
Even when people like a signing by Hendry, they find a way from out on Waveland to bash Hendry.
You have absolutely nothing to back up your absurd claims. Stick to your exclamation point schtick.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 17, 2010 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
In fact, you could very easily claim
it was BECAUSE of Hendry that Wood gave such a discount.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 17, 2010 4:30 PM CST up reply actions
I'm gonna give credit to Quade on this move
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
well said
anything bad happens … Hendry’s fault.
Anything good happens … it happened despite Hendry.
LOL
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 18, 2010 9:12 AM CST up reply actions
I think the bad out weigh the good, eh?
He signed a middle reliever who wanted to come back, for no matter how much. Not gonna move him to the top of the “Executive of the Year” poll quite yet. Go get Greinke then he’ll get my vote.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
The bad outweighs the good, but
The bad doesn’t negate the good. You should be able to recognize something good done by someone you don’t like. Conversely, one should be able to recognize something bad done by someone one does like.
It really isn’t that difficult.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2010 2:58 PM CST up reply actions
There's pretty much 5 stages...
1) Great
2) Good
3) Meh
4) Bad
5) WTF was he thinking
So far this off season, I’ll give Hendry a solid #3 – “Meh”.
There’s definitely a #1 – “Great” out there yet. Let’s see if he sees it.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Trading for Greinke...at any cost
…except Marmol, Marshall, Castro or Soto. Yankees want him. Hendry/Ricketts need to grow some stones and not back down from the “Evil Empire”. There’s NO 3 players in our system that should NOT be included in this. Greinke is young, proven, Cy Young winner and a foundation for the future.
Keep waiting around and the “Big Boys” (Yanks, Red Sox, Phils) will corner the market and we (the rest) can fight over the scraps for years to come.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
so far you have said to target
Dunn, AGon, Girardi, now Grienke all at any cost. You do realize at al costs, can cost you a WS when you way over pay and lose too much young talent in the same processes. you now would have no money to make moves and no young talent to slide into the line up when there is a slump or injury during the season. But hey. giving up WS contention to get a player is any cost, right? Also, your mentality of at any cost would be the same reason that McDonough and the Tribune went out and got Soriano, a contract we all complain about at times. So it is also a double edged sword.
I think Easy Ed should change his name to Flavor of the Month
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
by Cubbie-Tim on Dec 18, 2010 9:58 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
exactly
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 19, 2010 2:11 PM CST up reply actions
TJ11- agreed
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Totally agree.
The Cubs totally needed him, and no matter what they say, HAD the money to sign him even at what he could have gotten from other teams. They chose to sit on their hands and play poor. It’s sad that Wood had to approach them to get this done, but it’s good that a wrong has finally been righted.
Ya know.....
… unless you have direct knowledge of how it went between Wood and the Cubs, you’re doing nothing more than guessing here.
"When they signed Fukudome, I knew they were trying to get me fired". - Ron Santo, January, 2008
by BeerCub on Dec 18, 2010 1:02 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
Absolutely.
Sometimes this is like listening to know-it-alls on sports radio.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2010 2:58 PM CST up reply actions
hosted by the deaf and blind
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Great TJ11...just great...
now, you’re an enigma??? :)
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
And then dunked in tempura and deep-fried again
Where the hell would we be without TJ?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
No offense to TJ11
But I think that even a cockroach would taste good, if it was prepared like this. Mmmmm, bacon…
"Wait, are you saying I'm a sunshine-pumping, koolaid-drinking, Soriano-loving, rainbow-rising, unicorn-riding, double-clutching, Sweet Lou-backing, Hendry-supporting, hey hey whaddya saying, Cubs are going all the waying, glass is overflowing, Rothschild is all-knowing, Cubs fan? - ballhawk
Mmmmm....deep-fried bacon
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
by VegasCubFan on Dec 19, 2010 12:00 AM CST up reply actions
Thanks
and I definitely agree.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
at least I agree that it is a very good thing.
"I lof to hit de home ron!"
I'd say 99% of people here think it's definitely a good thing
How big of an impact he’ll have is where the majority of the debate is.
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
That was awesome seeing him put on the Cub uniform again...
Better yet, when he said something along the lines of “If I’m coming back to Chicago, I’m pitching for the Cubs!”
Kerry Wood always has been, and always will be, my favorite Cub!
I've never had a lot of favorite players.
But Kerry Wood has always been at the top of my list. Class all the way, and he fills a real need on this team.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
+1
it isnt about sentimentalism – he is an effective RH bullpen guy and we need an effective RH setup guy – you know now looking back to when kerry was kicked out, could it be that Hendry told Wood to go out an get as much as he can in FA and he would always be welcomed back here?
I doubt it.
That doesn’t mesh with the comments Wood has made over the years.
Hey Elgato! Merry Christmas
I agree. You almost get the sense the loss of Wood was almost, well…sorta like…a “misunderstanding”?
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
To be fair
we’ve got a couple of guys, like Cashner, Chris Carpenter and maybe Jay Jackson who could fill that role this season. And if you say “Cashner could go to the rotation,” that takes a spot away from Chris Archer.
But when you get to sign a guy of Woody’s quality for one year/1.5 million, you take it and worry about the kids later.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 17, 2010 3:19 PM CST up reply actions
Do you think Archer is ready this year, Josh?
I was thinking he was another year away.
I figured 2011’s rotation is: Demp, Z, Wells, Gorz, Silva (and then eventually Cashner)
If Cash works out in the rotation, he stays, otherwise a spot opens for Archer in 2012. Otherwise, if Cashner sticks and Archer forces the issue, you move one of the other pieces (Wells and Gorz would be easy to move and Demp would be in the last year of his deal).
And do you think Carpenter or Jay Jackson could really fill the role of primary RH set-up guy this year? I could easily see them get worked into the pen mix… but it seems early to toss them into the 8th inning fire.
"Stuff like this is why they should shut off the internet."
by Orval Overall on Dec 17, 2010 1:19 PM CST
He's real close
He might struggle in the majors if he started there in April, but he could be ready by midseason. He’s just got to keep his mechanics straight.
I do think Carpenter or Jackson could handle the job as the primary RH set up guy this season, especially since Sean Marshall isn’t a LOOGY and will be getting most of the tough setup jobs anyway. But as I said, Woody is a safer bet and on that contract, there’s no risk.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 17, 2010 3:38 PM CST up reply actions
Couple things...
I think Archer’s stuff would look good out of the bullpen in the second half. He’s got that kind of stuff and I’m not against starting a pitcher’s career off in the bullpen.
I really hope Cashner has a strong season as a starter in the minors and majors. I hope that’s how the Cubs go about it.
I wouldn’t mind trading Gorz now if the return was decent.
Archer comes up mid year at the earliest I am guessing
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 18, 2010 9:16 AM CST up reply actions
Assuming that Caridad and/or Guzman can come back from injury
The problem is exacerbated. Instead of calling for left-handed bats, will our new manager be dying for ’pen southpaws?
"Who ever heard of the Cubs losing a game they had to have?" -Frank Chance
"If [Ruth] had [called his shot], I would have knocked him down with the next pitch." -Charlie Root
The contract makes this a good deal.
They did not overpay for him, so good job Hendry.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 18, 2010 9:15 AM CST up reply actions
You can't give him credit for anything, can you?
I’ve been one of his most vocal critics, but to mock him for this is absurd. At some point, this schtick is at risk of crossing over into an analogy of “Woo!”
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2010 3:00 PM CST up reply actions
Woo Woo!!
I love this move……But I am saying Wood had to agree to the very low offer for it to have happened. The cubs were not going to go up!
That said…..Welcome back Kerry Wood!!!!
Ok, that I agree with
And I’ll go further to say Hendry got himself in that budget situaiton in the first place.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2010 10:34 AM CST up reply actions
Aw, man.
I got so busy at work I forgot to tune into this.
Contributing Editor, SB Nation Chicago. Please follow us on Twitter!
I'm sure it will be replayed over the holidays
Somewhere between Bulls 6 championship wins, ’85 Bears Super Bowl, and 2010 Blackhawks Stanley Cup.
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 17, 2010 3:14 PM CST up reply actions
Most important question to Kerry Wood today
What type of pizza did you have D’Agostino’s that night?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
Yea seriously...
Paul Sullivan called it the “Pizza Summit”
Maybe D’Agostino’s should be our good luck charm in ’11 or something.
It's time, guys. Let's win it for Ronnie...
I'd recommend Ian's on Clark street
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
by RiskyBusiness on Dec 17, 2010 3:25 PM CST up reply actions
I didn't buy a #34 jersey the first time around
But I’ll likely stop by Wrigleyville before the year is over. It almost feels too good to be true.
Hot Time In Old Town SB Nation's blog for Chicago Fire, Soccer, & Chicago History
I think a lot of us are going to do the same.
I think at this point, especially now that this has happened, #34 Wood jerseys can be worn now and in the future with absolutely no shame at a ll
It's time, guys. Let's win it for Ronnie...
How much shame should I feel when wearing
my #21 Sosa jersey?
That IS debatable now isn't it???
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
no shame. Sosa was the man for 12 years despite all the hatin' that goes on
The 2010 Randy Hundley Fantasy Camp ruled!!!!
absolutely none.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2010 3:28 PM CST up reply actions
I bought a blue authentic for $75 in 2007 right before he came back. The only time after 2008 and before today I wore it was when Cleveland came to wrigley. Now its the only jersey I am gonna wear to cubs games
by 300LevelBleacherBum on Dec 17, 2010 5:59 PM CST via mobile up reply actions
I still have my Wood T shirt
anyone want the Prior one I bought at the same time (and never used, still has tags on)?
Blue mountains high .. Blue valleys low
I don't know which way we shall go ..
One summer dream .. one summer dream ..
coda
ELO, 1975
What size?
A LO PROFUNDOOO...NOO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NOO...DIGALE QUE NO A ESA PELOTA!!!
GANAN LOS CACHORROS DE CHICAGO!!
by Azul Cachorro on Dec 17, 2010 7:21 PM CST up reply actions
i got two Soto home and one Bradley Alt with tags up for grabs
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
jerseys
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Definately one of the best contracts this offseason
In a year with some really bad contracts, this is a bargain. Might be the best contract this year so far.
You can get more with a kind word and a gun than you can with a kind word alone. - Al Capone
Honesty compels to say,
this really seems like alot of tadoo for somebody that can’t stay off the DL. Sorry, but that’s what I remember most about Kerry Wood. You can’t depend on a guy that can’t stay healthy.
Quite true
but for the money, this is a pretty low-risk manuever.
Had he wanted market rate, I would not have gone for it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 17, 2010 4:32 PM CST up reply actions
Heck it is the K-Mart rate
Seriously it is mind boggling. Had the re-signed at the White Sox offer of 3.5 I would have thought it was a decent deal, had it been a two year deal at 6 million I would have thought risky, but not a lot probably worth it for Wood. Anymore than that I would have been concerned, but I don’t understand how you could not want a guy who turned town at least 2 million more not to play for your arch rival and probably could have gotten more than that from Yankees or Red Sox.
Re Katie’s comment in the other thead. I was probably a much bigger Wood fan than she was, but nowhere near Al’s level. I was far more upset at the DeRo trade then letting Wood go. Now Wood will be my favorite Cub for a very long time.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 17, 2010 4:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
mind boggling at the least!
lets hope nothing “ominous” is keeping Woody close to home. I’da expected him to sign w/ cubs at 3-4M (Sox exact offer)… glad he said no to them! Happy holidays Stalker
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
Just my opinion
but I doubt he ever considered the Sox offer.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
I too, like to think that Sue!
Enjoy your Holidays with the Family! Be safe.
I didn't understand the "white-collar Cub fans", "blue-collar Sox fans" until much later in life. Harry Smith~ "For Cubs Fans Only".
I don't think he did either
but
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 17, 2010 5:44 PM CST up reply actions
I know this is a low-risk manuever.
And I am thankful for that.
by deadcatbounce on Dec 17, 2010 6:54 PM CST up reply actions
No, he isn't
Not at this stage, and not for this team.
I guess you would have signed him for $3-4 million a year?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Dec 18, 2010 11:32 AM CST up reply actions
There is a mistake in Carrie’s article about the signing:
No one has worn the No. 34 jersey for the Cubs since Wood left.
Well, unless you want to call Jeff Gray “no one”. No one wore it in 2009, but it was issued to Gray, who wore it for seven relief appearances last year.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Let's just assume that Jeff Gray was a figment of our collective imaginations... ;-)
If the Cubs still have a chance, no matter how small, it’s still Go Cubs, damn the math and pass the KoolAid.
Can we imagine Grabow away too...?
Kerry Wood slipped on his old No. 34 Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, then went in search of his old locker in the corner of the Cubs’ clubhouse.
It was John Grabow’s locker last year.
“Not anymore,” Wood said with a laugh.
"Baseball is beautiful...the supreme performing art. It combines in perfect harmony the magnificent features of ballet, drama, art, and ingenuity."
--Bowie Kuhn, Commissioner of Baseball, 1976
The 40 man roster now stands at 41
Have they DFA’d someone or how long do they have until they have to move it back to 40?
i hope its not schlitter
He's my Hossa
HO-HO-HO-HO-HOSSA
by jesus christos on Dec 17, 2010 7:26 PM CST up reply actions
There is a breakdown of this over at TCR by AZ Phil
who in addition to knowing everything the Cubs do in AZ knows everything about every MLB roster and other rules. So short answer is that you will probably find out by Tuesday, depending if the Cubs were actually able to file Wood’s contract this weekend. I would guess it would be from this group Schlitter, Berg, , Stevens, Gaub and I suppose Fuld though I imagine it will be a pitcher.
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 17, 2010 7:40 PM CST up reply actions
I thinks Fuld is safe at least until another outfielder is added to the 40 man, whenever that may be.
So no worries.
It also likely that the player cut from the roster will clear waivers and invited to ST
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
by Doggie Stalker on Dec 17, 2010 9:25 PM CST up reply actions
feels like
family again. many cub players have come and gone over the years and you accept it. but seeing kerry in a diffrent uniform. not good. you know the ones that bleed cubbie blue and the ones that dont. kerry was and is a true cub.
What's the Over/Under on the number of "We Got Wood" t-shirts that are seen on Opening Day?
Or would a warm summer Friday afternoon game make for a better line?
"Easy on the words, brother,'' Quade said.
I BET SOME OF THE
Wrigleyville vendors have already ordered Wood shirts . Gotta think the shirts work best on the warm sunny Friday afternoons …..Glad to see Kerry back !!!
How about a "C" for his jersey?
At last, the real Captain of this team is back. Kerry Wood is an example for all players on how they should go about their business. He obviously loves the Cubs the way that Ron Santo did.
Now that the ridiculous move of getting rid of him so that we could have Milton Bradley and Kevin Gregg has been righted, let’s go the extra mile. He deserves it.
You know, I still can't help but think back to the fact
that this probably wouldn’t have happened if Ronnie hadn’t passed away, which both Hendry and Wood mention. Looks like the return of one of the most beloved Cubs, Kid K, was Ronnie’s last gift toward the team he loved more than almost everything. God bless you, Ron Santo.
Ronnie made people smile during his life, and now he is making (most) people smile after his life.
Just a thought.
Sorry if I got a little too sentimental there.
It's time, guys. Let's win it for Ronnie...
by mikegncb34 on Dec 17, 2010 9:35 PM CST reply actions 1 recs
It's apparently all the room there was in the budget.
Hendry didn’t call Wood prior to running into him at Santo’s funeral b/c he didn’t want to insult him with a lowball offer, and there’s not a lot of room to maneuver. Meanwhile, Wood was waiting for the Cubs to call.
MLBMilestone.com - following the numbers to Cooperstown
OK bad news, there are medical issues with Wood's youngest child
and he and his wife think they are best treated in Chicago.
This went up hours ago on ESPN but I don’t see it here. Please delete if I missed it.
http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/cubs/post/_/id/2927/family-first-woods-priority-was-in-chicago
on a side note Heyman says Yankees were willing to go as high at 10 million for two years, but knew Wood was not interested,
"I am not ashamed to say I love Greg Maddux" - Jim Hendry
Me either
that article also states
that Hendry has $3-5 million more to spend
by hansman1982 on Dec 17, 2010 11:38 PM CST up reply actions
C'mon, TJ.
The bathroom meme is old. Capital budgets and player payrolls are different.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
by Al Yellon on Dec 18, 2010 10:51 AM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Different in that the Ricketts' believe they're responsible for paying for one and not the other?
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
Different in that money gets allocated to both...
… and both need doing.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
Correct
They are different budgets. No different than most businesses.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2010 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Yes, but you still have to allocate it differently
Put it another way — the Ricketts family can’t possibly oversee every aspect of the team, right? So they have someone in charge of marketing, stadium ops, baseball ops, etc. They each get their own budget set at the start of the “fiscal” year. In order to let each person do their job, you can’t keep moving money from one bucket to another.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2010 1:46 PM CST up reply actions
Maybe they are prepared to take a one-year hit
I’d rather see them go 62-100 if it meant 10 years of 90+ wins and a bunch of post season appearances than 11 years of 83 wins.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2010 7:30 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
recd
Chronologically inept since 2060
"I could be writing this crap!" -- Crow T. Robot
Me: Q: I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
Wrigster A: Theriot
Not sure why some here think
Cub fans cannot see the need to take a step back in order to move forward. Trying to tweak this team to make it a bit more competitive is a waste of time. The real goal has to be building a new team that will be real contenders in a couple of years.
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 20, 2010 8:53 AM CST up reply actions
its what i feared
that press conference was just so melancholy and matter of fact, very little joy in kerry’s words or expressions. You could tell something significant was going on
follow me on twitter for fantasy sports analysis @http://twitter.com/DrewDinkmeyer or get the full analysis at www.fantistics.com
by DartmouthCubsFan on Dec 18, 2010 8:52 AM CST up reply actions
Aw, I hope she will be ok.
A lovely story:
One day, long, long ago, there lived a woman who didn't whine, nag or bitch. That would be me....
But that was a long time ago and it was just that one day.
The end
So basically we have Kerry Wood for life!
That’s just awesome to hear. And in the event that Marmol does not resign, at least Wood could be our closer. What a loyal man!!
Viva la Cubs Révolution!!!
Things like this...
…have a way of making a player move up a few spots on the top 100 Cubs of All Time list.
Is this the best recent deal for Hendry?
Quite the bargin basement number for an elite setup man. Woody must be giving back some good karma to an organization that gave him so much. Good for him, and great for the Cubs.
"He's a great candidate," Ryan said. "If I hadn't made him drop in coverage so often on running backs, he might be the all-time sack leader. They call it zone blitzing nowadays. We called it, 'Richard, pick him up.'" - Buddy Ryan on Richard Dent's HOF chances.
I'm sure that...
several more years of service were discussed. It’s great to have Kerry back with the Cubs. His role will be reversed from when he was here before. This gives the Cubs a very good back end of the bullpen. I watched many games when he was setting up for Rivera in New York.
I feel like we signed Jesus.
They’d be less talk about signing Albert Pujols.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
You're missing the point.
Getting our panties all in a bunch over a guy that’ll throw 50 or 60 total innings in 2011 for a club that’ll be contending for third is a lil’ bit ridiculous.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Third is an improvement, though. You gotta admit that
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 18, 2010 3:02 PM CST up reply actions
I said CONTENDING!
We could still come in 5th.
PS – BUCKY > ALL
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
Still an improvement
And the Badgers could beat any NCAA team the way they finished the season.
by Shanghai Badger on Dec 19, 2010 10:36 AM CST up reply actions
no
you’re missing the point. Kerry Wood is a beloved player. There’s more to this than his play on the field. People feel like they know Woody. He’s a part of the memories of better times over the past decade.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 18, 2010 3:32 PM CST up reply actions
Wow that's dumb.
He’s a part of the memories of better times over the past decade.
You almost had me with the “more than his play on the field” thing, because I can see Kerry helping the young guys out. But to sign a guy that’s important for historical purposes? That’s like stalking your ex-girlfriend on Facebook because you’re a damn loser. Get over it.
"The riches of the game are in the thrills, not the money." --Ernie Banks
you continue to miss the point
that’s the reason FANS feel good about it. I can’t speak to Hendry’s reasons for signing him, other than needs a good set-up guy, which Woody is.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 22, 2010 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
This sentimental "feel good" BS is a perfect example of one of the reason this franchise is on year 102 of no championship.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 18, 2010 4:19 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
I hear Sammy is still in good shape.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Rosenbloom would be cool with it now
GM's are in charge of Managers, not the other way around.
by shoemile on Dec 18, 2010 6:28 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He gained a bit of weight after his playing days...
…but, looking at this photo, he appears “lighter”.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Every team has a sentimental "feel good" BS aspect to their fan base.
And every team should have that. The players are human. The fans are human. Didn’t Cliff Lee just go back to the Phillies?
One of Lee Elia's 15%
by waiting4cubs on Dec 18, 2010 6:22 PM CST up reply actions
Lee spent like 45 minutes with the Phils in '09...
…I’d hardly call that sentimental.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
Oh ok...
he pitched 79.2 innings for Phillie. I hardly call his going back there “sentimental”.
"I don't care who the manager is OR who they sign in the off-season...I just want a frickin' World Series winner" - Easy Ed
I wouldn't either.
But he did take less money to go back to a place he enjoyed playing and a city he liked.
"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra
no, it's not
because the Fans have little to do with the performance on the field.
Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.
by drewishdrewid on Dec 22, 2010 10:28 AM CST up reply actions
Not so...ask Milton Bradley.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Dec 22, 2010 6:55 PM CST up reply actions
And if it was all about sentimentality
Do people realize how goofy it is to accuse the Cubs of doing things solely for ticket sales and sentimentality 2 months after they passed over one of the most beloved names in Cubs history for the less sexy believed by many to be the better baseball choice manager?
Formerly known as cubstoseriesby100. Thanks Al for letting me change my outdated screenname.
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 18, 2010 7:20 PM CST up reply actions 5 recs
re: sentimentality
My sources tell me that the Ricketts commissioned focus groups to determine the marketability of both former players. While both ranked very high when polling for ‘sentimentality’; Sandberg scored low in terms of overall ‘likability’ while Wood’s score was literally off of the charts. People have fond memories of Sandberg but they do not react positively to his persona. On the other hand, people have positive memories of Wood and consider him “classy”, “charming” and “real”.
The business decision was obvious. At the margin, Wood is a more marketable personality than Sandberg, and he also came at a lower upfront cost. The financial “sacrifice” Wood is making for the best interests of his family adds to the positive perception of his personality.
With that said, I wish Kerry Wood and his family the best of health.
by explodingpinwheelsforfunandprofit on Dec 19, 2010 12:36 AM CST up reply actions
some type well with their tongue in cheek
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 19, 2010 2:18 PM CST up reply actions
" Ahhh, Jesus. I like him very much. But he no help with curveball."
I always turn to the sports section first. The sports page records people's accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man's failures.
~Earl Warren
by lookingdeadred on Dec 19, 2010 2:17 PM CST up reply actions
Wow.....
an overflow thread for a – let’s be honest now folks – minor deal.
What would happen if they landed Greinke? Or if they could land Garza? God forbid, if they somehow found $150M lying around and signed Cliff Lee? Would SBN servers come to a crashing halt?! Yikes!
I like Woody and all but this isn’t putting the Cubs over the top; maybe 4th place, but not over the top.
Just win the next game...!
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