Source: Cubs, Kerry Wood not close yet
Key part: "Wood, a free agent, also told NBC-5 Chicago television on Sunday night that he'll make a decision on where he will pitch next season by Friday, which, ironically, is the day that the Cubs' 26th annual Cubs Convention begins."
5 months ago
elgato
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I heard this
on the morning news. I am baffled as to how much in dollar amount do they differ? I mean he signed for 1.5 million last year. Do the new regime think he will sign again for that amount? Or is Wood looking for much higher amount than last year? I would like to have him in our pen that is for sure.
I'm sure he's looking for more
… since he took a way under market deal to come back to the Cubs.
He’s a good person to have in the clubhouse. He’s a useful middle relief/setup guy. He is committed to living in Chicago.
Honestly, I don’t understand the problem Theo & Jed have with getting this done.
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I mean, the problem is pretty obvious.
It’s money. And we don’t really know what the divide is — we don’t know whether TheoJed are low-balling or if Kerry is asking for too much.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
True enough.
But we’re not talking about $10 million a year here — you’d think a deal that’s this kind of size could be made amenable to both parties.
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Well, that's been the underlying assumption since the season ended.
And here we are.
Aside from Kerry’s sentimental and leadership value, the Cubs’ bullpen without him might be really bad. I’m betting on a bounceback year from Marmol, but without Wood, the Cubs’ next best reliever might be Shark, and that’s kinda scary.
Trading Cashner AND Marshall put the Cubs in a corner with Wood. And the Phillies’ interest did, too.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Presuming that Phillies interest is real
… and not just a reporter’s speculation.
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Al, really.
http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/01/phillies-interested-in-kerry-wood.html
I count at least four reporters (Crasnick, Levine, Morosi and the guy from Philly) saying the Phillies have interest in Kerry.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
If TheoJed don't get this done
This season will be even more of a disaster. Wood is the sentimental face of this team, and if they don’t bring him back they’ll be alienating a good portion of the fanbase.
"Whenever one finds himself in the majority, it is time to step back and reflect," Mark Twain.
by WindisBlowingOut! on Jan 9, 2012 12:46 PM CST up reply actions
it has been all over the radio today as well
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
A few things
Marmol bounceback? I’d expect more of the same from him… snatching defeat from the jaws of victory! Marmol should Mar-go.
Epstein & Jed, with as much of a liquidation as this has been, it has crossed my mind Epstein might’ve been a one hit wonder and someone who just got lucky with bringing the Red Sox to the World Series and 1 followup title who might just coast for the rest of his career. If Kerry Wood goes, this team will suck even more than it looks like now this season, and it makes it seem like Epstein is less interested in a rebuild with not sinking too low and is more interested in ideology, in remolding the Cubs in his image.
On Epstein, I was cautiously optimistic (more cautious than optimistic). His moves over the this off-season have only made me more cautious. I’m seeing less pragmatism and more ideology and I think pragmatic thinking is going to win the Cubs a world series. For all the talk about a “new culture”, it may or may not be the culture needed to win. Under Hendry, the Cubs had a clubhouse “culture” too.
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:19 AM CST up reply actions
I am all for moving Marmol
and was before the new contract was signed. He is vicious on his arm in his delivery and it is only a matter of time before he blows it out IMHO
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
...
Step Three: Patience. The plan is in place.
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 10, 2012 8:19 AM CST up reply actions
Interesting stuff
I’d think he fits in to what Theo/Jed are trying to do IF he’s not asking for the moon. Like Reed Johnson, he’s a good mentor to younger players.
But if he wants $10M for 2 years like he walked away from last year, I’d tell him thanks for the memories and dedication, and you’re welcome to come back when you retire.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 9, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions
I would think
2 years $5.5 million would be managable and beneficial to both parties
by Cubsfan Waveland on Jan 9, 2012 8:34 AM CST reply actions
Seems reasonable if you mean $5.5 M total for the 2 years
I think that’s what you’re saying.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 9, 2012 8:35 AM CST up reply actions
Yes that is why I'm saying
5.5 M over 2 years.
by Cubsfan Waveland on Jan 9, 2012 8:37 AM CST up reply actions
Yeah, that should be an easy call for the Cubs
If something like that is on the table, then it’s up to Wood to decide if he wants more and how badly he wants it.
He definitely gave them a discount last year, but he’s also an annual injury risk. I think you’ve found a reasonable neighborhood.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 9, 2012 8:40 AM CST up reply actions
I'd make that deal.
But we shouldn’t assume TheoJed will and Kerry won’t.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Wood's dilemma
The Cubs are not in an obvious position – competition-wise – to offer “Grabow-money” for a reliever. And Wood may be getting offers in that range or close to it. But Wood wants to play for the Cubs.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
And he already passed up bigger deals a year ago.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
To make a pizza and beer deal with Jim Hendry
It would not surprise me if there was a handshake deal with Hendry for a bigger contract this year, because more money was rolling off the books.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Jan 9, 2012 8:55 AM CST up reply actions
Don't know. I didn't get invited to Santo's wake.
It could be that Hendry used judgement on a 34 year old reliever. Or Ricketts tightened up on the budget last season. But Wood wanted to come back to the Cubs and play close to his family for longer than one year. If not for the more playing years, then for a post-playing career as well.
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Jan 9, 2012 9:11 AM CST up reply actions
I think you've nailed it on your second guess
The budget getting tighter.
Step Two: Develop an organizational plan
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 9, 2012 9:17 AM CST up reply actions
That had to hurt.
Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You!
A Rick-Hoy-Stein Production
"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
Not really.
You’ve consistently downplayed Wood’s value, and yet here’s a 100 win team looking to sign him. If he was as bad as you think he is, then he’d already be signed to another 1.5 million dollar contract with the Cubs because no one else would want him. Obviously there’s a market for the guy, regardless of how he pitched in one game in 2003. I don’t know what Hendry “promised” him, if anything, and neither do you. You were convinced that Hendry promised him some massive contract for this year, not fair market value. Luckily, we won’t have to find out. If the Cubs sign him, fine. If not, whatever. I’m not clinging to the past like you are.
DUMP GARZA
The keys are ...
what Hendry promised (if anything) and what he’ll actually receive.
We’ll never know about Hendry. We’ll know what Wood signs for by the end of the week, it seems.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Perhaps Wood also would like
to play for a team that has a reasonable chance of winning next season, considering his careeri is almost over, and the moves Theo and Jed have made so far don’t indicate that will be the case in Chicago.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:13 AM CST up reply actions
Wood already has a World Series ring.
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Really?!
With who? Yanks won the WS in ‘09, but i believe Kerry pitched for them (VERY well) in 2010. I’m pretty sure he never won a WS with the Cubs :)
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 9, 2012 10:44 AM CST up reply actions
Sorry.
Had the wrong year. Thought he was with NYY in 2009.
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And as we all know, athletes aren't competitors and there's no chance he might want another
by Nunyabidness on Jan 9, 2012 10:48 AM CST up reply actions
Some athletes have different priorities.
Kerry Wood appears to be one of those.
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Is the 99.9%
You keep posting, regarding Kerry signing, from Deep Goat??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
What if...
Epstein turns him down? Would he sign with the White Sox to remain in Chicago? Wood didn’t seem to have a stake in the rivalry if memory serves me and it’s a somewhat new regime down there without Ozzie (still Williams & Reinsdorf).
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:26 AM CST up reply actions
For once...
I actually agree with you (!). I don’t think Kerry will sign anywhere but with the Cubs. As stated below, I think Kerry is just trying to establish his market so his representation and Theo/Jed can sign him to close to market.
That said, I personally wouldn’t hold it against Kerry if he made a statement that he was going to try to win it all one last time. BUT, i think this is too contradictory to his potential future as an ambassador (or even as a coach) with the Cubs in the future.
Kerry signing will be announced this week and I’m accepting any bets to the contrary.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 9, 2012 11:05 AM CST up reply actions
Or there's this possibility...
…maybe that one guy who posts on here every once in awhile…what’s his name…uhhh… Eager Earl or Early Elmer or Easy Ed or somethin’ like that, was right in his speculation about the deal Wood made last year with Hendry. You know, the part where he thought maybe since Wood took such a small amount last year, due to a stricken budget, that Hendry would toss him a more substantial sized contract AND a few more years later? (If I remember right, that guy was chastised pretty hard on here for thinking that. Some said “Kerry is loyal to the Cubs and wouldn’t do that”. Oh, but yes he would. Even St. Kerry likes his coin) Now, Wood would like that deal honored, BUT, Hendry’s gone and Hoy-Stein don’t care what was said between Wood and Hendry. That Eager Elmer, or whoever, is a pretty sharp dude, wouldn’t you say? Stand firm, Hoy-Stein. ; ) Lol…discuss amongst yourselves.
Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You!
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"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
by Easy Ed on Jan 9, 2012 12:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Let's wait until we see the money ...
before we start back-patting, eh?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Jan 9, 2012 12:49 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
There is such a thing
as too low an offer. He’s done a media tour. Was on ABC last week, someplace else yesterday. His tone seems to indicate he’s not too confident, at least as of those days. Things can change between then and Friday but it sounds like he wasn’t happy with their offer and he’s kind of doubting he might get the offer he wants (or an offer he considers acceptable).
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:27 AM CST up reply actions
Perhaps
But he took less money to sign with the Cubs for 2011. And I don’t think anyone predicted the Cubs as a division winner before 2011, did they?
"Just shut up and play" - Matt Garza
"Pain is inevitable, suffering is an option." - Dale Sveum
by RiskyBusiness on Jan 9, 2012 10:30 PM CST up reply actions
My attempt at mind reading is that both parties are thinking of last year.
Wood figures he was offered $5 million by Theo last year so why not try for something closer to that. And Theo figures Wood took $1.5 just to be on the Cubs before so why offer more.
♪ He held me very tight under stars so bright and whispered darlin' "Who do you love tonight?" I told him "baseball, baseball...." ♫
by katie casey on Jan 9, 2012 8:51 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
Wood to the Phillies?
I don’t buy it. I think it’s just Wood trying to gain leverage.
"Pounding sand since 1982...."
Look at it the other way
Do the Phillies need someone like Wood to bolster up their bullpen?
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:30 AM CST up reply actions
That reminds me
with my open question elsewhere here. The White Sox. Ok, they kept Danks and lost Buehrle and had a very quiet offseason too with more losses than signings and also have a reduced budget. That said, Kerry Wood is not a pricy acquisition. If Danks is going to be their #1 pitcher, does their rotation look like Wood would greatly enhance it (at what place?) or might he produce a slight benefit, but nothing special enough to make him a must-have?
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:34 AM CST up reply actions
It'll get done
My guess is it’s merely a matter of opening up a 40 man spot for Woody. This has me optimistic Soriano, Garza or Byrd are traded this week.
I hope you're right
And i hope that this situation with Wood didn’t cause the Cubs any leverage in the negotiations, but I’m hopeful (and confident) that Theo & Jed are too savvy for that to happen.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 9, 2012 9:20 AM CST up reply actions
I think...
Wood and his agent told Jed & Theo that he wanted market compensation and Theo & Jed said to go out and find out what his market is and to come back and they’ll work in good faith to get a fair deal that works for both parties. I think both sides want Kerry to be part of the team and it will happen.
"In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. In practice there is." - Yogi Berra
by wrigley's ivy on Jan 9, 2012 9:16 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
This wouldn't surprise me.
I don’t want to play golf. When I hit a ball, I want someone else to go chase it.
by cub in louies nest on Jan 9, 2012 10:29 AM CST via mobile up reply actions
Will be interesting if it doesn't get done and
Wood announces by Friday that he’s pitching elsewhere. Theo would definitely take some heat for that one at the convention. I’ve been good with the moves he’s made thus far, but can’t comprehend how this deal isn’t done.
I have a feeling that if Kerry doesn't sign
and Theo does take some heat at the convention he won’t lose any sleep over it.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Jan 9, 2012 11:23 AM CST up reply actions 2 recs
i dont see much heat when he says
i am building a long term winning team, Wood is part of the short term and didnt fit. He is welcome back in another role in the future, and will always be part of the Cubs family.
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
You're giving the fanbase a bit too much credit, Tim.
There’s always gonna be people flipping out when fan favorites leave town.
DUMP GARZA
Neither would
Wood won’t, though I’d image he would be regretful, but feel kind of forced into it (or in this case not into it) while Epstein, I don’t think he gives a damn what other people think.
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:31 AM CST up reply actions
I love Kerry
but he would be pretty silly to sign with the Cubs. I get it – family, chicago, yada yada
But he is going to have a long life with a gazillion dollars already in the bank after baseball.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
No, it's unlikely Theo would lose any sleep over that.
But the Cubs are banking on Theo being the big attraction at the convention this winter. Based on the fact that all of the moves this offseason, while building toward the future and long-term success, have been less than exciting and have received very little fanfare, it could be a different reception than what they initially expected.
Also
Aside from the people who go to the convention who cares about crowd reactions at it??
I’ve never been to a convention. No interest. Sounds like crowds and long lines. Boring.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It's not just the convention.
If TheoJed don’t sign Kerry, then who exactly will fans go to see in 2012? Other than Ryan Dempster, I don’t think there’s anybody left who could be considered a fan favorite (depending on what happens with Castro).
I’m not saying the Cubs should always factor this kind of thing in, but right now, with Kerry Wood, it makes sense as a mitigating factor.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
well if they are counting on a guy that makes 60-70 appearances a year
that’s a problem. Attendance will be down this year. What can you really do?? The best thing you can do is do what they are doing – which is building to get to a place where attendance will ALWAYS be up.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
But that needs to happen relatively quickly
or you run the risk of being in a permanent downswing.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 11:59 AM CST up reply actions
permanent? that is a joke right?
you think for one second if the Cubs have a shitty 2012 and attendance drops they wont fill it again with a winning team in 2 or 3 or 5 years? Too many fans will line up drooling to watch the Cubs win no matter if it starts in 1 or 10 years
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Five years? Seriously?
The Cubs better have one a WS within five years from now. We’ve waited long enough.
If Theo and Jed are as good as the “experts” here believe, that shouldn’t be a problem.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 9:43 PM CST up reply actions
Theo and Jed better win a World Series in the next five years, or I'll be pissed!
/continues to defend guy who went eight years without playoff win
DUMP GARZA
What's an acceptable time frame for you, shoe?
Theo and Jed walk on water, from what everybody is saying, so they should be able to do it without breaking a sweat.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 9:58 PM CST up reply actions
I don't really judge in time frames.
If the Cubs build a consistent contender, I’ll give them rope. If they do what Hendry did, I’ll call for their dismissal. Obviously your rope is much shorter because you think Hendry left them a solid foundation to build on, plus you’re super pissed that people are finally excited to have competent folks in the front office. I like what they’re building. Obviously, that’s no guarantee that it will work. But I couldn’t stand another year of watching Jim Hendry foolishly destroy this franchise. The Cubs need to build from the ground up. So long as I see building every year along with proper upkeep, I’ll support them.
DUMP GARZA
I don't dislike a lot of what Theo and Jed are doing
but I think they are going unnecessarily too far in their zeal for young, unproven players.
And you’re just a tad guilty of hyperbole here, methinks.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:08 PM CST up reply actions
I am, to an extent.
Sorry, just kinda boils up after years of seeing people blame everyone but the true culprit for the Cubs poor performances (and I don’t include you as one of those people).
As far as unnecessarily too far, perhaps this wouldn’t be happening if the new CBA wasn’t going into effect. Sucks, but it’s life. So as I’ve asked before, how do the Cubs get better then? Not just for 2012, but for the long term? And not just ten wins better, but pennant contending better? I know your stock answer is “don’t trade Garza,” but how does that turn the team into a contender? It certainly didn’t last year.
DUMP GARZA
Build around him
I would have argued pairing Garza and Fielder, two young guys who should be entering the prime of their careers, and adding pieces through your own system and through trades. I was skeptical of the Marshall deal, but the minor-league guys made it worthwhile. They also got back more for Z than I thought they might.
But the scorched-earth policy Theo and Jed seem to be taking smacks of small-market fire sales.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:19 PM CST up reply actions
But there's the problem, Bruce.
There aren’t enough guys to add through the system for a while (if they even pan out, as you say). And there’s really no one worth trading, either. That’s why Theo and Jed are operating this way.
DUMP GARZA
Then you complement your system guys
though low-cost, low-risk free agents. The Cubs can afford it.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:23 PM CST up reply actions
I'm sure they'll sign those type of guys.
Like they did with DeJesus. They don’t make the Cubs a contender, though. I guess I’m just not sure what you saw on the field in 2011 that I missed.
DUMP GARZA
seeing as the talent in the organization is a hot mess
as we have been told, 3 to 5 years sounds like it would be working a miracle.
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Ridiculous
Absolutely ridiculous and asinine.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:06 PM CST up reply actions
have you not been paying attention to the multiple
threads about how bad our talent is from top to bottom, which does mean 3 to 5 years is likely
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
You just said 3 to 5 would be a miracle
Which is it?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:10 PM CST up reply actions
its both
3 to 5 to be competitive annually, and likely about 5 to possibly win the WS would be my GUESS and nothing more than a GUESS based on the hot mess we are currently.
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
And the talent certainly has become worse
because of things Theo/Jed did/didn’t do.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:11 PM CST up reply actions
the fruits of the farm system under jimbo can have that effect on people
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 10:20 PM CST up reply actions
Most prospects
never amount to anything.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:20 PM CST up reply actions
You do understand that every single major leaguer was a prospect once.....
right?
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:13 AM CST up reply actions
But not every prospect becomes a major leaguer.
That’s his point.
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I understood his point, I just happen to think it's an incredibly weak stance
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:28 AM CST up reply actions
Why?
I don’t think he’s saying to NEVER take a chance on prospects, only that your chances of success with many of them is very small.
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Except that kind of is what he's been saying.
Step Three: Patience. The plan is in place.
by Shanghai Badger on Jan 10, 2012 9:58 AM CST up reply actions
Exactly
He has been complaining about these trades with the line “most prospects never work out”
It would be one thing if he’d said it about ONE of the trades…he’s said it about all of them.
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 10:20 AM CST up reply actions
actually that is what he has been saying
sign big money FA’s or we never can win (well, that and dont trade Garza)
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
if they won a WS in yaer 5 or 6 I guarantee
every Cub fan would be ecstatic and now cry over the prior seasons waiting for everything to land.
Now, i am not saying that Cub fans WANT to wait that long, as I am sure you will quote me as saying
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Then I guess they'd do the same thing
in year 8 or 9. Or year 10 or 11.
Or year 20 or 30. I probably won’t be around for that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:05 PM CST up reply actions
I highly doubt that Theo or Jed would still be here with 20 losing seasons
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Not 20 losing seasons, but
20 seasons with no WS victory.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
There's no way they'll be around that long without a WS trophy.
NO WAY
Unless you’ve had about six WS trips and just haven’t been able to win it.
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:14 AM CST up reply actions
That's overly simplistic.
Fan loyalty to some players counts for something. I agree that TheoJed should do what they’re doing generally. But signing a fan favorite — who is also good and necessary after the Marshall and Cashner trades, considering the other bullpen options — makes sense.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Then pay him what he wants and be done with it
If it makes sense so much why isn’t it done??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
It's money, obviously.
And TheoJed might not agree with me.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Makes more sense with a position player
a la Fielder, who presumably still would be around and still good whever the Cubs are “ready to compete again.”
Whenever that’s supposed to happen, Wood in theory won’t be around.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 12:00 PM CST up reply actions
But that position player ...
would have cost about $200 million. Wood MIGHT get $10 million.
I’m not saying sign Wood at all costs. But giving him $10 million (for 2 years) to help a short bullpen, lead in the clubhouse, pitch effectively and draw some fans? I’d probably do that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Huh? $5M a year? Seriously?
If that’s his asking price then I’d be in total shock, and disgust, if Hoy-Stein caved on that. That’s crazy on a team that’s gonna play hell to win 70 games.
Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You!
A Rick-Hoy-Stein Production
"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
Ed. For Christ's sake.
That’s what Theo offered him LAST YEAR. The White Sox, too.
Wood signed a $1.5 million deal with the Cubs last season, leaving a two-year, $10 million contract offer from the Chicago White Sox and a one-year, $5 million offer from the Boston Red Sox on the table.
http://espn.go.com/chicago/mlb/story/_/id/7441157/source-chicago-cubs-kerry-wood-agree-new-deal
You’ve lost TOTAL perspective on this matter. Your self-congratulatory riff earlier was pretty goofy, but now I see you almost can’t help yourself.
You don’t like Kerry Wood. You think Hendry offered him a sweetheart deal. You think it’s dumb to sign any ex-Cub who didn’t win after he left the Cubs.
We get it. But you’re wrong on almost EVERY charge here.
The Cubs have a lot of money to spend.
They have almost no players whom the fans will care to see (other than a creaky Ryan Dempster, the possible criminal Starlin Castro and the possible goner Matt Garza).
Their bullpen no longer has Sean Marshall or Andrew Cashner.
And Kerry Wood — for the money that John Grabow made in 2011 — can be had to quite effectively fill out the pen, mentor the younger players and provide a reason for fans to come to Wrigley in a transition year.
It’s POSSIBLE that the Phillies will outbid the Cubs — and depending on the dollars, that could be fine. But I get the feeling that you’d be against re-signing Wood at the league minimum.
I like you, Ed. But dude, get a grip on this.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
by elgato on Jan 9, 2012 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 8 recs
Hell ...
Kerry was better in 2011 than he was in 2010! More innings, lower WHIP, more strikeouts (he did have a slightly higher ERA). I hadn’t even checked that before I wrote my response to Ed.
Can you blame Kerry for wanting $5 million from a guy who offered it to him coming off a worse season?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
But, but...
Kerry said “it’s the Cubs or nobody”. He wouldn’t have told a fib now would he have? He’ll look pretty foolish signing anywhere else. Wood for $2M would be OK with me…sickening, but, OK. As far as getting a grip…what you say about giving him $5M a year is absurd, el. You know he’ll spend 6 weeks on the DL, right?
I said I wouldn’t get caught up in this Wood BS again, but, every time I read where he’s this “fan favorite” or some “iconic figure” it baffles the hell outta me? WHY? What’s he done? Did I miss something he’s done other than his 20 K game…14 years ago…but, ok, I’ll give him that, but, that’s it. It certainly can’t be his dependability. Is it because he’s a “sweetheart of a guy”? That’s what makes him worth, to you, $5M a freakin’ year?
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"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
I said I wouldn’t get caught up in this Wood BS again, but, every time I read where he’s this "fan favorite" or some "iconic figure" it baffles the hell outta me?
part of me thinks you enjoy complaining about wood
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
TWSS
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
E6
Come visit me inside Wrigley along the Addison side mezzanine fence straight up from 1st base.
by section229beer on Jan 9, 2012 6:36 PM CST up reply actions
Ed.
Theo offered him $5 million last year and he was better in 2011 than he was in 2010. What made him worth $5 million to the Red Sox and to the White Sox?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
You're arguing with someone whose mind is closed on this topic.
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Yeah, you're right.
But this just about blew me away:
Huh? $5M a year? Seriously? If that’s his asking price then I’d be in total shock, and disgust, if Hoy-Stein caved on that.
How can something that has already happened be at all shocking?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
He thinks Wood hasn't done anything since 1998.
Not the sharpest tool in the shed.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
That's not what he's saying.
He’s saying Wood hasn’t done anything worthy of fan-favorite status since 1998. That’s crap, but I don’t think even Ed would say Kerry (who was an All-Star twice in the past 10 years) has done nothing since the 20-strikeout game.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
this is a big reason why he is loved in Chicago
his family is involved deep with the children in the area with their foundation, even when they were in Cleveland and New York their foundation was still going strong in Chicago. He is one of the easiest players to approach, he is humble, et al. Ed does not understand that fan fare often goes far beyond a silly game being [played, and actually includes how that player carries himself in the community.
and for those not aware, he has another charity event this Friday
Woody’s Winter Warm-up A Celebrity Mixer
8:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. CST
Harry Caray’s Tavern, Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
The Cubs Convention is going into extra innings with Woody’s Winter Warm-up. Come to this exclusive mixer and get served by the pros! Join Kerry Wood and friends as they get behind the bar to serve drinks to their fans and work for tips to raise money and awareness for the Wood Family Foundation!
Confirmed Cubs players include Marlon Byrd, Matt Garza, Geovany Soto, Starlin Castro, Ryan Dempster, Randy Wells, Welington Castillo, Darwin Barney, and James Russell. Cubs owner Tom Ricketts, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, baseball legends Ernie Banks, and Rick Sutcliffe, and former Chicago Bears Richard Dent and Otis Wilson will also be in attendance.*
The evening will include “meet and greet” opportunities with Cubs players, silent auction, premium open bar, dinner buffet and raffle with all proceeds benefitting the WFF. There will be a special acoustic performance by Chicago’s very own Plain White T’s who are not only platinum selling Grammy nominated artists, but HUGE Cubs fans! In addition, there will be an acoustic set by singer William Beckett who has toured with the band The Academy Is… plus Grammy nominated and Chicago based music producer Paul Blair, AKA DJ White Shadow, will be on hand to entertain the crowd with his masterfully blended mix of music.
Net proceeds from Woody’s Winter Warm-up will support the Wood Family Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of children in and around Chicago. The Foundation is committed to funding both immediate and long-term relief projects for various children’s issues.
Individual tickets – $150
(Standing room only)
Reserved Booth for 4 people – $1000
(Includes tableside cocktail service only)
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
how cool would it be for Theo to sign Kerry at this event
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
I was thinking it would be cool
if they announced there
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
I have a friend who hates everything else to do with the Cubs who’s a huge Sox fan who Kerry is her favorite player outside the Sox. She knows him pretty well because of her involvement with charities.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 10, 2012 2:47 AM CST up reply actions
Some players are like that
People hate the team but are neutral to slightly favorable for one player on the team. How many Yankees froth at the mouth at the sight/mention of Youkilis?
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 8:56 PM CST up reply actions
Coming from a dumbass like you blue...I'm offended.
Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You!
A Rick-Hoy-Stein Production
"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
by Easy Ed on Jan 9, 2012 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
You think Wood's done nothing since '98
And I’m the dumb ass?
Hilarious.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
by bluemagic9 on Jan 9, 2012 6:45 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
OK, both of you knock off the namecalling.
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At least we agree on something.
Coming Soon To A Stadium Near You!
A Rick-Hoy-Stein Production
"The Rebuild of 2012: And The Wait Goes On"
i never thought someone could be so close minded about a baseball player
that isn’t named ryan theriot
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 5:15 PM CST up reply actions
Oh, and this ...
sickening, but, OK
Shows that you have lost all perspective on this. $2 million for Kerry is nothing that should sicken anyone.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I'd even go to $5 million.
But I could see why TheoJed wouldn’t if they figure the Cubs will be a fifth-place team team again.
I think that’s where we’re at.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Kaplan said he's looking for one year, four million.
Sorry to jazz, but Kaplan reported it on CTL, so no link.
DUMP GARZA
If that's all he wants, shame on TheoJed for not approving it.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
especially seeing as how Darren Oliver signed for $4M.
Make that 41 year old Darren Oliver…
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Seriously.
$4 million and they won’t sign him?
If Garza is traded, there really is no excuse for not keeping Wood. There’s your $4m right there.
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Here's a theory:
About six weeks ago, TheoJed decided either that the Cubs system was worse than they previously believed, that the players on the big-league roster could draw more in trades than they expected and/or the price of the free agents to make 2012-13 respectable was too high. So, they decided to go REALLY young, instead of kinda young.
Maybe I’m wrong on this, but the Cubs seemed more set on competing in the near turn in November and early December than they do now. They were linked to Fielder, they submitted a bid for Darvish (even if it was low) and they signed DeJesus, a right fielder in his 30s. DDJ is good enough, but he’s signed for two years on a team that won’t probably be good — very probably, if Garza is traded — until 2014. And, of course, DeJesus will make what Wood is reportedly asking for in 2012 and 2013.
The fact that they won’t give Wood $4 million — when Theo offered him that a year ago, when the bullpen is worse with the departures of Cashner and Marshall, when the team has the money and when Wood is a fan favorite on a team with very few fan favorites — is pretty amazing. And it’s hard to understand. The only difference between Boston last offseason and the Cubs now is that likely competitiveness of each squad.
(My other worry is that (gulp) the Cubs made it appear that they weren’t going quite so young earlier in the offseason so they could get more season ticket sales. I really hope there’s nothing to that.)
Regardless, there seems to have been a course correction in the past six weeks — and letting Wood leave and trading Garza seem like TheoJed aren’t just sticking a fork in 2012. They’re stabbing 2012 with a fork over and over.
Maybe that’s the right call … but it sure makes you wonder why they couldn’t pay Wood $4 million.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
It could be
the new CBA is affecting their plans, and making them feel a more pressing need to add young talent while they can. The only way to add young talent right now is via trade, and the players they would need to trade take them completely out of contention in the very short term.
When was the new CBA reached?
At the winter meetings? DDJ was signed right before then …
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
there was something on MLBTR a while ago
that said that jedstein would try to compete and rebuild at the same time, but the new CBA chanced that
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 8:38 PM CST up reply actions
Didn't see that.
Link?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
can't find it
maybe i just imagined it
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 9:13 PM CST up reply actions
i believe i have accumulated enough seniority to no longer need to cite things
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 9:31 PM CST up reply actions
It;s not that you don’t have seniority but I think more people would have seen that.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 10, 2012 2:48 AM CST up reply actions
Nah, it's because he's badass and everyone needs to accept that.
DUMP GARZA. CORRECT THE COSMIC WRONG.
He isn't worth $4 mil
to a team that has almost no chance of being near .500.
But he is worth $4 mil to a fanbase paying top 5 ticket prices with a payroll at or under around $100 mil and almost nothing else to cheer for.
This isn’t giving a long term contract to a 35 year old who won’t be here for the next contender. This is giving a fan favorite and loyal player a reasonable short term deal so he can retire a Cub and the casual fan someone to root for this year.
This isn’t giving a long term contract to a 35 year old who won’t be here for the next contender. This is giving a fan favorite and loyal player a reasonable short term deal so he can retire a Cub and ALL fans someone to root for this year
Fixed that for you.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Cough. Easy Ed. Cough.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Here's the thing
Is a relief pitcher, a set-up man, really going to placate people?
People come out to see Fielder. I don’t think they come out to see Kerry.
And again: I think the Cubs should keep him. But if you’re on board for a “total rebuild,” Wood has no logical role in that.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 9:47 PM CST up reply actions
We're not getting Fielder.
You need to get over that.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Thanks for your concern, eg
I realize that, thank you very much. How about this? People WOULD have come out to see him. Better?
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 9:52 PM CST up reply actions
they would also come out to see
a group of naked women playing, should Theo and Jed sign nothing but strippers?
They are doing the right thing, building a foundation (kind of like building a home) that will sustain a healthy organization that can compete for years to come. You dont fix a crack in the foundation of your home by putting on a new coat of paint on your garage
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Nothing wrong with a good foundation
but if you have a crappy house on top of it, it doesn’t matter much.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:09 PM CST up reply actions
which the Cubs have now
a crappy house on a broken foundation. that takes time to be rebuilt, and it takes moving talent in trades to get back greater talent in surplus, it takes NOT throwing $200M + at ONE player and so on
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
If that player is worth it, relatively speaking
then yes, it is. Yes, by all means it is. Especially if you can afford it, which the Cubs can.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:17 PM CST up reply actions
wrong
how many times do you need to be pointed to the Cubs throwing money like you are stating they have to do, and how that exact thing is a BIG part of the current problems we have
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
Just because it didn't work a few times
doesn’t mean it’s an invalid strategy.
And it’s not “throwing money,” it’s paying fair value to someone who could/should be good for many years.
It’s hilarious that for years Cubs fans bitched about the Tribune being too cheap. Now they don’t want the Cubs to spend anything. Welcome to the most schizoid fan base in sports.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:28 PM CST up reply actions 2 recs
there is a time to spend and a time not to
right now we are not in the right place to spend and go for it, we are in the place where you start the foundation, see what you need and then you make your move with a signing or three.
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
You can sign when the opportunity arises,
not on some arbitrary timetable.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:38 PM CST up reply actions
I'm fine with them spending money
So long as it’s for the right guys. You wanted Fielder, and that’s fine. And you’re obviously well within your right to disagree with Hoyer favoring Rizzo, but Hoyer was a part of the Red Sox when they drafted him, moved onto San Diego and traded for him, and then found him on the trading block when the Padres acquired Alonso. Clearly he’s a fan.
DUMP GARZA
Sounds like Hoyer is obsessed with him
maybe the way Hendry was accused of being obsessed with some players.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:37 PM CST up reply actions
except rizzo is actually good
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 10:37 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
He hasn't done squat in the bigs yet
I hope he’s as good as advertised, but I’ve heard it all before.
by Not Bruce Froemming on Jan 9, 2012 10:39 PM CST up reply actions
fine, he has the ability to be good
there isn’t an alternate universe in existence where theriot, hill, neifi, fontenot and co can be considered good
Just wee-un.
by jesus christos on Jan 9, 2012 10:40 PM CST up reply actions
Do you think good players were never prospects
And were simply dropped off by a stork on opening day?
DUMP GARZA
by shoemile on Jan 9, 2012 10:42 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Obsessed with players because he was friends with their coach
Or wanted to help a guy get his full MLB pension.
DUMP GARZA
Just because it didn’t work a few times doesn’t mean it’s an invalid strategy.
Are you ACTUALLY Jim Hendry?
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:25 AM CST up reply actions
actually
Just because it didn’t work a few times
doesn’t mean it’s an invalid strategy.
doesnt mean it wont work you are correct, but it also means it has been a failed strategy that YOU have witnessed
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
I think with that
the Cubs can one-up the White Sox on the most outrageous stunt held in Chicago. The Friendly Confines… (they’d probably tell fans not to get too friendly). Move over Disco Demolition Derby, hello (whatever you want to call it)!
Will the foul poles be used for pole dancing? Will we see recreations of the figurative first/second/third bases + home plate/all the way? Will the strippers have the batter’s eye?
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:42 AM CST up reply actions
Well, with Dempster
they can almost announce the team as “your Chicago Cub”. People would come and go see the Cub play (albeit fewer people).
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:37 AM CST up reply actions
I'd think
… Cubs management would care if Theo Epstein got a negative reaction at his first convention.
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He won't get one because he didn't sign Kerry Wood
maybe some grumbling during Q and A but not when first entering.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
True.
Again, Wood is no savior, but his popularity would make his signing a very nice feel-good for the convention.
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True -
wonder if they announce it AT the convention….that would great for the convention and future conventions (ticket sales)
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Speaking of the convention ...
are Byrd and Soriano slated to attend?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
I don't know
but I were to guess Id say no on Sori
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
The first year with how the fans feel about him Theo could set an orphanage on fire and still get a good response.
But it won’t be as good as it would be if Wood signs elsewhere within a day or two of Friday. If he signed elsewhere in December it would be one thing but right before the convention.
Nothing happens unless it's first a dream
by puckishcubsfan on Jan 9, 2012 1:50 PM CST up reply actions
He'd probably say
something about breaking a few eggs to make an omelette, rebuilds are going to step on people’s toes, no pain no gain, whatever response comes out of his write-off-discontent formulaic corporate response generator. The more I see of Epstein, the more I understand the fans are approximately 0% of the equation in his decisions. Now, ultimately player performance should be the biggest % but he should be considering avoiding a rebuild that plunges the team too low. A 100 loss season would be a black mark. And hell, it didn’t take a horrid season to get the Red Sox to the World Series (they won 95 games in Epstein’s 1st season). The Cubs are more likely to lose 95 games than win 95 games next season. I don’t think making a season or two a down year vs. a horrendous year is even part of his equation and that may be a flaw in his thinking. He has his vision and when a vision takes hold of people, they lose sight of everything else. Everything may align perfectly with a vision or everything may go horribly wrong or something may go horribly inbetween :D
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:49 AM CST up reply actions
Checked Red Sox 2002
Season before Epstein- 93 wins. Starting to wonder how much of the Red Sox in 2004 was Epstein’s maneuvers bringing success vs. how much was him not screwing up what was there and adding a missing piece. Has he ever built a team as opposed to tweak & mostly maintain a team? I guess ultimately we’ll find out.
And I see Mr. Beane was the GM before Epstein on the Red Sox.
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 1:00 AM CST up reply actions
Kerry will sign.
I am assuming there is another move in the works to clear a space on the 40 man and they are waiting on the announcement for that. Theo has been pretty blunt about wanting Kerry to return and we all know Kerry wants to be a Cub. I don’t think the size of Kerry’s contract is the problem here.
就是今年！
Kerry posted on Twitter that he probably won't be at the Convention.
Oh boy.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Yeah, I'm not seeing that, either.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Michael Singer @MichaelSinger3
@KerryWood are you gonna at cubs con next weekend?
Kerry Wood @KerryWood
@MichaelSinger3 As of now, it’s looking like I’m not going to be at the Convention.
6:58 PM – 8 Jan 12 via Twitter for iPhone · Details
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
Hmmm.
OK, I had not seen that tweet. Interesting. Maybe that’s his way of putting a little pressure on TheoJed to get the deal done.
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or he knows he isn't signing with the Cubs
or he’s sick
or in Hawaii.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
He's got a Wood Family Foundation event here in Chicago late Friday night.
So he could easily be at the convention.
I think the writing is on the wall re: his contract. That’s really too bad. Like elgato said earlier, aside from Garza and the questionable Castro, there’s very little to be excited about in 2012.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
I kinda agree with you
It seems like Ill be watching a lot of guys in the minors this year. Which is cool – because at least there is a plan.
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
Still wonder why
he keeps Marmol but potentially lets go of Wood. One helps you win games (or at least trys) one helps you lose games (or at least trys). Does Epstein want the Cubs to lose 100 games or what?
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:51 AM CST up reply actions
"Does Epstein want the Cubs to lose 100 games or what?"
Sure looks that way.
"They sell every ticket to every game, win or lose!" - Tom Ricketts
A closer has more value to a team than a setup man.
It’s not rocket science
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:26 AM CST up reply actions
Or he's not re-signing with the Cubs.
I think we better brace for that possibility, Al.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Yeah, I'm bracing already.
Skimming through his tweets, I see much reason for doubt.
"[The Cubs] have a very famous tradition in baseball, and it will be nice to be part of turning it around." ~ Jamie Quirk, Bench Coach
As I said
… it’s almost like he’s publicly pleading for TheoJed to sign him. I know he wants to stay here. We’ll see.
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I doubt it. Wood doesn't strike me as the type to resort to attempts at public manipulation like that
I would think he’d be pretty straightforward with Theo & Jed and I would expect them to return the favor even if they don’t have the history with Wood like Hendry did.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Brace?
Better use an ash brace. A maple brace may produce shrapnel fragments if the shock is too great.
by ddoubleheader on Jan 10, 2012 12:52 AM CST up reply actions
Easy Ed??
"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Cubs win....what a lucky break!!" ---Harry
by Hammer on Jan 9, 2012 5:26 PM CST up reply actions 4 recs
or this...
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
by ballhawk on Jan 9, 2012 6:27 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Another reason I am glad I am not coming
After giving the Cubs a season for 1.5 Wood is entitled to a market contract and I find this situation disturbing.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 9, 2012 10:34 PM CST up reply actions
Disturbing?
Because we’re not handing out contracts based on “favors?”
Alllllright………………….
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 9:27 AM CST up reply actions
Not "favors", but "market value".
I don’t know that I’d call it disturbing, but if it plays out as Kaplan is describing (I know, a big “if”), then it appears that Wood wants a market value contract (and apparently can get it from other teams) but Cubs are not willing to do that.
Or to put it another way, Cubs only want Wood if he takes another hometown discount, and Wood is unwilling to do that again.
Again, the above is assuming that Kaplan has got it right this time.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
It sounds pretty bad
Especially on a day you sign back of the rotation starter for over 4 million for one year and then have to go out and say, “we are rebuilding so we don’t want to sign Wood for a year” Not like Kerry Wood does not have several good years left in him, this is not a charity case or sentimental, as the bullpen REALLY needs him
( I realize I am not arguing with you on this)
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 10, 2012 9:52 AM CST up reply actions
It is a "favor" to sign one of top FA closers in the game?
Who last year played for a fraction of his value?
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 10, 2012 9:48 AM CST up reply actions
Well, he's not a closer.
But, yeah, it’s kind of a favor to sign a player like that to a market-value deal for a team that will be lucky to crack 75 wins.
In my opinion, it’s a favor worth handing out because we’re talking about Kerry and because $4 million — or the difference between what TheoJed are offering and $4 million — makes sense for a fan favorite who will help a weak bullpen.
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
Oops I meant reliever/ set up guy
I know he is not a closer.
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 10, 2012 9:53 AM CST up reply actions
methinks me smells a bit of showmanship in the works here...
I think Theo & Jed have shown to be capable of making strictly business decisions, fan sentimentality be damned if it’s what they believe are to be in the best interests of the direction they want to take the Cubs. So cutting ties with Wood would not surprise me in the least.
But I also think they’re not above playing to the crowd either. And I certainly think Ricketts understands this concept. So while these may be very real negotiations going on and each side is well prepared to move on should it come to that (with nothing but gratitude and respect to be offered and received)…
…there’s a part of me that says Theo picks up the phone sometime late on Thursday and says “Okay Kerry, we’ll go $4M…” (or whatever the magic number is that Kerry will say yes to) “…but you gotta keep it quiet until we announce it at the Convention and have you come running out from behind the curtain. Just don’t trip and fall, okay?”
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
Somehow, I don't think this is about showmanship.
That seems overly risky, unless Kerry’s in on the thing. And, if he is, why did he lay the groundwork for a departure last night with Kaplan?
Where have you gone, Kiko Calero. A nation turns its lonely eyes to you.
well, maybe showmanship is the wrong word here...
…and my last line about running out from behind curtain was obviously written in jest.
But I do think that Theo & Jed, while having already made up their minds to move on without Wood, are certainly reserving the right to make a last-minute audible (assuming Kerry has not yet signed with anyone else) and bump their “home town discount” offer up to more of a “market value” offer with the clear intent of announcing it at the convention.
Point being, even if you think it’s an unwise financial decision given the current and near-term makeup of the team, it’s much easier to shrug your shoulders and say “ah, what the hell” with a couple million vs 150 million in the Fielder scenario.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
I don't think so
They certainly could still work out a deal but I don’t believe Wood would do this and I suspect he is pretty upset after all the talk about how they really wanted to sign him. This should not be a sentimental decision, the Cubs traded Marshall & Cashner and they are going to have a horrific bullpen without Wood ( not great with him but MUCH better).
The bottom is loaded with nice people, Albert. Only cream and bastards rise
by Doggie Stalker on Jan 10, 2012 10:35 AM CST up reply actions
Bruce Miles has this to tweet on KWood
Bruce Miles @BruceMiles2112
Hoyer says #Cubs want Kerry Wood back and that they’ve offered him a “substantial” raise.
and #SarahSpain on espnradio just said the same.
Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."
So, either the earlier reports from Kerry were wrong
OR the Cubs are now playing a PR game, where they can claim Kerry balked at what they felt was a very fair offer
by Nunyabidness on Jan 10, 2012 11:54 AM CST up reply actions
i guess it depends on whose definition of substantial raise is being used
Q: Why did Theo Epstein cross the road?
A: To Dump Garza
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Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
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