Should Kerry Wood become the next John Smoltz?

[chadlincoln]

I think it'd be a great idea moving Wood to the closer role. It's save on his arm and I think he could pull it off. This way, Dusty doesn't keep him in 130+ pitches every outing. Thoughts?

[GiantFan666]

I think it would be a great idea if Wood could handle it... I know a lot of times this year he has blown in the first inning before settling down in the 3rd inning and so that could be kind of a problem as a closer... also who would they bring in the rotation to replace him...
Not hugely familiar w/ the cubs farm, but I think most of their prospects are bats right now

[TheRawDAWG]

I think it's a great idea. I think he could be dominating in that role.

[Conner]

I've heard tons of people suggest that on this site. My question to you is:


What on earth gives you any reason at all to believe that Wood will ever be able to pitch 3/4 times a week? Considering how short the timespan is for dominant relievers (with Rivera one obvious exception)....I'm not sure why anyone thinks it's easier on the arm than starting once a week.

[Yoda]

He may be a little to combustible to be a great closer. He tends to dominate and cruise for 5-6 innings then give up 4 runs in the next inning with 2 outs and no one on.

I hope that he recovers quickly and comes back strong but I doubt they will convert him into a closer unless they asolutely have no other choice.

[BigMusky]

Um...nope....really bad idea.


Reason 1: If he can not stay healthy pitching every five days, what makes you think he can pitch every night?

Reason 2: Kerry Wood has too many innings that he just falls apart and loses control. Think Latroy Hawkins.

Sure when he is on, he is unhittable. But the chances of him being on all the time as a closer are not greater then a starter.

[Steve-o]

I think it is a bad idea as well. He has always had trouble in the first inning.

Here are his career stats:

Pitch Count ERA WHIP BAA K/BB
1-15 4.50 1.38 .242 1.92
16-30 4.29 1.33 .224 2.49

Nothing outstanding about those numbers.

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlbpa/players/5 ... e=Pitching

[Dmville]

Carlos gets all the attention for being a head case, but KW isn't exactly Mr. Calm and reasonable either. Only takes one bad call by the ump to get his head spinning and mouth spouting. Not what you need in a closer.

[davidmarver]

Considering how short the timespan is for dominant relievers (with Rivera one obvious exception)...

C'mon, Hoffman's gotta be there more obvious choice. Longer career, higher save percentage...

[beltrans_boy]

All I can say as a Mark Prior owner is to GET LATROY THE F*** OUTTA THERE!!!