Kerry Wood

I still wish they would have kept Kerry Wood. He had potential to be an outstanding closer, almost a la John Smoltz. It kept Kerry's innings down.

10:55 p.m. Cubs get a run via sac fly, 5-4 now. 

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aking it easy, i cannot help but think about other crazy injuries that have happened to the Cubs.

Kerry Wood's bathtub slip. Felix Pie's problem with his balls. Is it so hard to be healthy during Spring Training?

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The closer role. I wasn't happy that they let Kerry Wood go, especially since he excelled as closer, earning 34 saves. And while I liked Carlos Marmol as a setup man, I have my doubts for him as closer. I know he had over 100 stikeouts, but let's not forget he's in his third season in the majors and as his SO's went up so have his innings. Which of course is caution for any Cubs player to wear his arm down by the time the Fall Classic rolls around. As for Kevin Gregg, I hadn't seen much of him last year and I think I know why: He had 9 blown saves. If both these guys can control their pitch count, and Sweet Lou can control how many games they pitch, then sure, they can go all the way.

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ter, the mid-season addition of Rich Harden and Chad Gaudin, and the presence of the long-time Cub, Kerry Wood, closing out the games. In addition, the fielding has been excellent with at least

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dash;Tampa Bay manager Joe Maddon has asked that his staff ace Scott Kazmir not appear in the game. Kerry Wood pulled out to heal a blister, which meant that Carlos Marmol’s now in the Game—even though his manager Lou Pinella recently said he needed the rest afforded by the All-Star Break. Plus there’s the aforementioned unwritten Little League “everybody plays” rule, which must now be balanced with (rather than eliminated by) the desire to win. Oh, yeah, and every team needs to send a representative, even the lowly Royals and Mariners.

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Before people start complaining about the Pierzynski strike out.  Yes he didn't swing but it was a strike.  That is all I have to say.  A good game by all.  Go Cubs.

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Dusty Baker's also got a bad history of ruining arms with overuse (just ask Kerry Wood and Mark Prior) and favoring grownups over rookies. Their defense is subpar, with every position's Range Factor below the league average, and every position below average in fielding percentage, except for SS and 2B. None of these bode well for Cincy's future, except that every visiting team must contend with the same cozy dimensions of a sun-warmed GAB. 

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as they entered game 3 of the series.  The Cubs had a 3-1 lead entering the ninth inning with Kerry Wood on the mound to seal the deal.  Earlier, Zambrano pitched a beautiful game and was helped by perfect innings from Carlos Marmol.  Soriano was also back in the line up after returning from the DL.  Even though Soriano went 0-4, the day was going to have a beautiful ending.  I think I spoke to soon.  The beautiful ending never came as the Cubs coughed up the lead and ended up losing 4-3.  It all started with Wood hitting the first batter in the ninth and then allowing the next batter get on base.  It was now men on first and second as Wood delievered the next pitch to the next batter.  A fly ball to left field which is playable and catchable for Soriano.  Soriano misjudges it and misses the ball.  A run comes across the board and pretty soon Cubs were down 4-3.  Frustration mounted over to the press conference as Pinella ripped a reporter who questioned him about leaving Soriano in the game and not have a defensive replacement.  It was one of the most frustrating lost the Cubs have had so far this season. I hope Lou can endear another misplay by Soriano.

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Manager Lou Piniella makes the call to the bullpen and out comes Kerry Wood in a one run game. After twelve electric pitches with the Wrigley Field faithfull roaring, Kid K pumps his fist in celebration after securing the win.

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hemselves, this team will not be any ending any streak of futility.

     Kerry Wood was the apparent leader in the clubhouse until he was scratched today with lower back spasms. This was his first opportunity this spring to pitch in back to back games  and this is example number one as to why

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re the biggest questions which will play a factor in the season for each team.

Chicago Cubs

Can Kerry Wood stay healthy in the bullpen?

After watching Wood miss significant time due to injuries each of the last four seasons, it seems obvious that he is not going to make it as a full time starter and stay healthy. So now the Cubs are attempting to move him to the bullpen in an attempt to get a full season out of him. When he has been healthy, he is nothing short of dominant and pitching only one inning at a time, he should really be able to let it fly. So far in Spring Training the initial reports look good.

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And as for closer, it's nice to see Kerry Wood might be getting the role. I still think I would prefer Marmol to start off there, because I'm sure he's gonna be there after Woody hu

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A little bit too early."

Even when Piniella was asked about Kerry Wood's and Bob Howry's performance today, he shifted back Marquis comments.

"You know, that galls me about Marquis, it really does," Piniella said. "I'm not pleased with that comment at all. We've had a good camp over here, everybody's getting an opportunity to go out and win a spot in the rotation. Nobody's going to stand in your way. That's the easy way out."

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d of imagination of a World Series, but the whole nation was.  In 2004, Sports Illustrated had Kerry Wood on their front cover stating “Hell is going to freeze over” and the Cubs will win the World Series.  Then came Carlos Zambrano with his “I’m going to win the Cy Young Award and we will win World Series,” scheme.  None of these predictions have worked and it only gives their fans false hope.  What else do us Cubs fans have?  Lou Pinella says he plans on having a meeting with the team when they all report on not to carry the load of 100 years of futility on their backs.  Come on Lou, you they will.  Do you know how much attention the Cubs will get during the season especially as the season winds down when everything counts?  Do you think it will be in everybodys mind when your in the playoffs and the cry for this crisis to end is in need?  Oh, and what if you are in the World Series, trust me, it will be in the players minds.

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