MLB: What to do with Kerry Wood?

[CycloneErik]

I'm not sure Marmol is ready to be the closer yet right now actually. He sure struggled to throw strikes in the 9th a few times today. Wood is new to the role, when he's got command of his stuff he's a good fit there. I'm not ready to yank him out of the closer spot at this point. He is not even near the kind of bad and shaky pitching that Gagne and Izzy had when they lost their spots.

It probably is too early to panic. I'm not sure anyone in the NL Central is having success in the closer spot. Maybe Kerry will settle into it.

I keep thinking that the Cubbies, if they could just get this spot under control, would own this division right now. I'm a little optimistic, but these other teams aren't better than we are, and we've given away a good half-dozen games from our closers (or Soriano, today).

 

[Wesley]

Marmol looked lost today. Bring Dempster back?

 

[LindenCy]

On sports talk radio in the last few weeks (here in Chicago), someone mentioned Marmol closing, but the consensus seemed to be that if they did that they would have no one to get to the 9th with a lead.

 

[CycloneErik]

On sports talk radio in the last few weeks (here in Chicago), someone mentioned Marmol closing, but the consensus seemed to be that if they did that they would have no one to get to the 9th with a lead.

Maybe Kerry could be the setup man.

Or, maybe it's all OK as is, and just has to come together.

I really don't know. Maybe it's just a Cub thing.:wideeyed:

 

[BigSkyCy2]

Marmol looked lost today. Bring Dempster back?

I think he's doing too well as a starter in the rotation to bring him back at this point. Maybe we're just getting ahead of ourselves, since we are doing so well so far.

 

[C.John]

On sports talk radio in the last few weeks (here in Chicago), someone mentioned Marmol closing, but the consensus seemed to be that if they did that they would have no one to get to the 9th with a lead.

I think that was discussed on the afternoon Boers and Bernstein show on 670 the Score.

 

[kuney1]

Someone please explain why Lou even plays Soriano in the late innings. I would like to see him on the bench and someone who can catch the ball after his last at bat. The guy can hardly run anymore.

 

[BigSkyCy2]

Someone please explain why Lou even plays Soriano in the late innings. I would like to see him on the bench and someone who can catch the ball after his last at bat. The guy can hardly run anymore.

He's in there for his arm. He is a major threat to throw someone out at the plate.

 

[Steve]

I'm not sure Marmol is ready to be the closer yet right now actually. He sure struggled to throw strikes in the 9th a few times today. Wood is new to the role, when he's got command of his stuff he's a good fit there. I'm not ready to yank him out of the closer spot at this point. He is not even near the kind of bad and shaky pitching that Gagne and Izzy had when they lost their spots.

Being a closer involves a lot more than physical talent. Marmol looked shaky both with the game on the line and when adversity hit - not what you want to see in a closer. Many of the better closers over the years haven't had great stuff, but they thrive on pressure situations.

 

[superdorf]

Someone please explain why Lou even plays Soriano in the late innings. I would like to see him on the bench and someone who can catch the ball after his last at bat. The guy can hardly run anymore.

Because he IS a superstar... You just can't take a guy like that out.

 

[Tweedt4Cy]

I think we should stick with wood and that doesnt work trade for someone. There has been speculation that huston street would be on the market if the a's go downhill like they are ecpected to. I love that guy, and as to putting dempster back. Y? Hes been one of our top starters this year.

 

[CycloneErik]

I think we should stick with wood and that doesnt work trade for someone. There has been speculation that huston street would be on the market if the a's go downhill like they are ecpected to. I love that guy, and as to putting dempster back. Y? Hes been one of our top starters this year.

Seems like Dempster does need to stay put.
I like the idea of sticking with Wood for a month or so, and then trade if we have to.

 

[superdorf]

Seems like Dempster does need to stay put.
I like the idea of sticking with Wood for a month or so, and then trade if we have to.

That or give Marmol a chance... Dempster has been to solid of a started to mess with him now.

 

[HILLCYD]

Let me see, let's move a 6-2 starting pitcher to the closer spot???

It is going to be tough to do anything with Wood other than closer because they don't want him in a middle role due to his past arm problems. They want him to be able to warm up and go, not sit down and stand up etc.

Woody did a decent job today, can't figure out why he feels he needs to hit at least one batter in every outing however.

 

[Wesley]

Trade Kerry Wood.

 

[acrozier22]

Check your stats, out of Wood's four blown saves, the cubs have only lost one game.

Leave him in the role. He will be fine.

 

[BigSkyCy2]

Check your stats, out of Wood's four blown saves, the cubs have only lost one game.

Leave him in the role. He will be fine.

It's actually two. He blew the save on May 1 against Milwaukee and again on Saturday.

To his credit, six of his 10 earned runs he has given up have come in two games this year.

 

[cycloneman003]

marmol will have his time to shine... its just not now. Kerry wood is probably the biggest fan favorite right now and his stuff is just as good as marmol's, maybe better. he is still settling into the closer role and just needs to stop hitting guys.

 

[HILLCYD]

marmol will have his time to shine... its just not now. Kerry wood is probably the biggest fan favorite right now and his stuff is just as good as marmol's, maybe better. he is still settling into the closer role and just needs to stop hitting guys.

I'll take 2 of whatever you are smoking. Wood's stuff can't touch Marmol's stuff on Wood's best day. While Wood is well liked I woudl disagree that he is the biggest fan favorite.

Marmol needs to be where he is now because he is able to go 2+ innings if needed.

 

[Cy Heavy]

The Cubs have one of the best records in the MLB, why mess with something that's working? Outside Wood's penchant to drill a batter every outing, it's been working fine.