Cubs News on Wood and Prior
Both Cubs former golden boys, Kerry Wood and Mark Prior, are in the news this week. I've got thoughts on both. First, Woodie.
The Cubs signed Kerry Wood to a one-year deal worth $4.25 million. He can earn more if he meets "games finished" incentives. I like the move. I mean, Wood's spent a ridiculous amount of time on the disabled list in his career, but he finished last season strong and he might prove more durable in the long run only pitching an inning at a time. And even if he doesn't, it's only four mil. Not exactly breaking the bank. The real question is, who's going to close?
Lou said it's going to be either Howry, Marmol, or Wood. Personally, I'm fine with any of them but my first choice would be Howry. Marmol's a better pitcher, but I like using him in the high-leverage 6th and 7th innings. Bring him in with the game on the line and two runners on base; he'll "save" the game right then and there. Save the "closer" for the 3-run leads in the ninth. After that, the reason I choose Howry over Wood is Howry's got experience and Wood might not hold up pitching three consecutive days. He might not hold up pitching two. Hell, he might not hold up pitching one.
Mark Prior made the news because competing GMs announced the Cubs are shopping him. I can understand the motive to cut losses, but what on earth are you going to get for him? A single-A nobody? A fifth outfielder? At this point, he's not worth much more than the three million he's scheduled to make. Word on the street is he's recovering from his first-ever surgery well and may be ready to pitch in May. I'll believe it when I see it, but what if that prognosis is true? Don't you at least want to see if he has anything left in the tank? The last thing I want to see is him to have a full recovery and pitch brilliantly again in a different uniform. The man was the Johan Santana of his day, and you don't want to trade him for the next Mike Hubbard. Scratch that lotto ticket and see if you've got a winner. It can't hurt.
Unless, of course, Baltimore wants to revisit this trade. I'm sure Hendry's phone lines would be open for that one.