Got Wood?
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 11:56 PM EST
in News
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PrintAll indications are the the Indians are on the verge of announcing a two- or three-year deal with Kerry Wood, who no doubt would be anointed the closer immediately. Paul Hoynes reported this morning that the Indians met twice with Wood's agent on the first day of Winter Meetings, while both the AP's Tom Withers and MLB.com's Anthony Castrovince have both reported in the last hour that the deal is almost done.
John Perrotto of Baseball Prospectus reports that the Indians have already signed off on Wood's medical report — a critical milestone for a cautious organization signing a pitcher with a significant injury history. (Hat-tip: xrickx.) Sweetening the deal, the Tigers were reportedly interested in Wood, too.
Most relievers, even very good ones and closers, are failed starters — that is, they didn't have good enough stuff or enough effective pitches to succeed as a starting pitcher. Not so with Wood, a truly dominating pitcher who is tied with Roger Clemens for the one-game nine-inning strikeout record, with 20.
Wood switched the bullpen after failing for years to stay healthy while pitching out of the rotation. Last season, he had a rocky start on Opening Day but went on to post a 2.89 ERA over the rest of the season, while stranding 10 of 12 inherited runners. He collected 34 saves in 38 opportunities, and even more important, he struck out a staggering 84 batters in just 66 innings, while walking only 18.
Wood has the second-highest career strikeout rate of all time, behind only Randy Johnson. No, seriously, he does. That mark is mostly based on his 10.25 K/9 as a starter, but over 100-odd innings as a reliever over the past four seasons, it's an even better 10.96 K/9, and last season it was 11.40 K/9.
Wood stands to become the Indians' most significant free agent signing since Chuck Finley in 2000. Granted, that isn't saying a hell of a lot, but still.
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Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 5:23 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
one of my faves
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
YEAAAAH, BOYYY
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
another source saying it’s close:
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ge-woodindians120908&prov=yhoo&type=lgns&expire=1
…meaning a physical would come before any announcement.
two years with a club or vesting option for a third year
One factor apparently working in the Indians’ favor, according to the source, is their impending move from their spring-training home in Winter Haven, Fla., to a new facility in Goodyear, Ariz. Wood’s off-season home is in Arizona.
“the Indians’ most significant free agent signing since Chuck Finley in 2000”
I’m taking it that, though, that crazy Tawny Kitaen does not come along with the deal, though.
Wood’s Wikipedia page already has him close to an agreement with us.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 5:30 PM EST reply actions
Sadly, no. As you can see, I haven’t even learned how to use the block quote function.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 5:33 PM EST up reply actions
The Chuck Finley reference was off the top of my head, but I think it’s correct. I’m counting this as more significant than Paul Byrd or Ellis Burks or Juan-Gon.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 5:32 PM EST up reply actions
No, but we get a ton of White Snake albums fresh from the cut out bin.
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
by Harry Doyle on Dec 9, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Peter Gammons just said that he didn’t think Adam Dunn could find a contending team to pay him 8 mil a year. Am i crazy or is that not really all that much depending on the years? Pleading ignorance here. And some major Adam Dunn love.
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 5:31 PM EST reply actions
That is totally bizarre. We would be crazy not to sign him for that amount.
I understand that he only hit .236, but how can you ask a guy to sign a one-year make-good contract when he’s hit 40 bombs for five years in a row?
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions
I guess batting average can be a good stat as long as your trying to sign Adam Dunn. Or maybe it only drives Peter Gammons away. He could have misspoke i guess considering it was on TV and supposedly live.
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
A batting average that low is a problem, period. Any good measure you use will exhibit that same problem.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
Of course. It just fades a bit with some more useful stats around it.
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
I figured you WooDunn be able to.
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
do it do it do it
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
I always thought this was a possibility (that Dunn would be way undervalued). I never guessed 8 mil/yr though. I really hope Shap is all over this.
sign him, then at that price, trade him to a team that realizes what a deal we got — for an impact SP. Such as Cain or Lincecum.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
So, in no real order,
Wood
Fist of Steel
Stomp
Yoshi
Fist of Iron
Bones Meloan
Atom
Footnote Stevens
Rich Rundles (who really doesn’t need a nickname)
Tony Sipp (I’m working on it)
That’s a lot of reliever. I’m enjoying the idea of having a bullpen so good that Meloan and Miller have to duke it out for the seventh spot. Curious about whether there will be room for a second left hander, and if either of those last two will be good enough for the role.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 5:45 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
if he becomes a closer does he become an endnote?
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
this is interesting
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
Earliest I can remember using it, though there might be comment on Paul’s site that ante-dates that one. I think it had something to do with his leg kick, but mostly I just liked the ring of it.
Mujica I omitted only by oversight. Shoot, Mujica was a hotshot prospect not too terribly long ago.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 6:10 PM EST up reply actions
No, I’m pretty sure Paul got it from you and adopted it. I kind of adopted Atom Miller as reciprocity.
He’s got some douchey commenter who claims to have invented Big League Choo.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:29 PM EST up reply actions
I thought I came up with Big League Choo…but I could very easily be lying. I also think I’m president of Tobago (but not Trinidad).
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 6:31 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Tyler did coin Stomp, and it’s really grown on me. The BLC is superb and I think the origin did go to LGT along with Dellichaels, regardless of what (as you say) “some douchey commenter” thinks.
As an aside, isn’t it great that everyone’s this giddy that we’re just throwing around the joy on everyone?
by The DiaTriber on Dec 9, 2008 7:53 PM EST up reply actions
http://www.letsgotribe.com/2007/8/21/182143/299#3205706
First usage here on LGT. In 2007.
Signature to be named later.
Rare case of a nickname simply being proposed and accepted. We just started using it all the time after that. Jensen and Rafael were Stomp & Steel, etc.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:15 PM EST up reply actions
Right, as opposed to the “16 Tons” references, that I had to work like hell to get to stick. I don’t think they took off until Paul started carrying the standard.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
“Taking off” being kind of a relative concept in this application.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
But Paul regularly gets them backwards.
BTW, neither Clemens nor Wood holds the single-game strkeout record. That record belongs to Tom Cheney (21). Kerry (we’re on a first-name basis now) and Clemens hold the 9-inning record.
That is true…you have no idea how many times I have to sing the song to myself and still screw it up.
by The DiaTriber on Dec 9, 2008 7:49 PM EST up reply actions
dude are you for real?
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, Phil, I am not calling a grown man “sippy cup” without a very, very good reason.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 6:18 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, what the hell are you people reccing? It’s the pitchers in the bullpen. Do we just like “Footnote” that much for He Who Has Two Christian Names?
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
I first thought of Sizzurp, but quickly realized that’s just not gonna fly.
It’s hard to nickname a guy—especially a reliever—when we don’t yet know how he compliments the team. In due time.
Helium Watch: Chuck Lofgren, OF
Ha, I kinda like Sizzurp.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Dec 9, 2008 11:19 PM EST up reply actions
Trust me on this one, it’s not a suitable nickname. I bring it up only to get it off the table preemptively.
Helium Watch: Chuck Lofgren, OF
Fair enough. I chuckled though.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Dec 9, 2008 11:43 PM EST up reply actions
“There is no close. You either have a deal or you don’t,” said Chris Antonetti, Indians assistant general manager, when asked if they were close to doing a deal with Wood.
At first glance I thought he was making a reference to “The Close,” then I realized no one actually talks like that in real life….
Yeah I was thinking noun instead of adjective too.
“There is no close. There is only Brodzoski.”
by cleveland teamer on Dec 9, 2008 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“There is no close. You either have a deal or you don’t,” said Chris Antonetti
Antonetti is now channeling Yoda.
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
I’ll forgive this quote for being late because I’ve never seen a link inside a quote box.
Either way I choose to think this means Yes.
Steel Nick
by nickjs21 on Dec 9, 2008 5:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
zz
I’ve never seen a link inside a quote box.
I was just thinking inside the box for a change
But Antonetti just seems to be following the company line of there is no deal until we say there is (nd he may have enjoyed stiffing Hoynes on confirmation of the rumor).
That being said, can someone confirm that “Empire Strikes Back” is on the Bellagio’s pay per view menu?
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
By the way I can totally picture bictor jumping into Wood’s loving arms after the last strikeout, the pile-on seconds away, me screaming at the tv. Wood=championship baby.
by joeee on Dec 9, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
F yeah
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
From John Perotto on BP’s unfiltered updates: (free content)
The Indians have signed off on Kerry Wood’s medical report and will likely announce the signing of the free-agent right-hander either today or Wednesday.
celebration hour is nearing
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:20 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t remember when we ever had such a unanimous outpouring of joy at a transaction.
A fantastic move.
I don’t think we’ve had Chuck weigh in on this yet
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
I think Chuck will like it. It won’t be beyond the Indians’ means, and I think Wood will pass Chuck’s warrior sniff-test.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
lol
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 7:10 PM EST up reply actions
Some one will come in as the contrarian. There’s risk here, and that person can then be the greatest I-told-you-so in the site’s brief history.
There’s a comparable injury risk for K-Rod and Hoffman too, so what. We just got the best reliever on the market, I think you’d have to try really hard to find fault with this signing.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 9:44 PM EST up reply actions
Okay, I’ll take the bait: Durability. This guy could break down by May. Especially if Wedge sees only one button on the bullpen control panel. Wood has been fragile with the Cubs since Dusty flogged him.
I could see stretches this season where he is not available for a week or ten days. And that’s if the Indians are lucky.
I’m still kind of wigging. How could the market be allowing this to happen?
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:25 PM EST up reply actions
i’m this close to buying a 40 of PBR tonight
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve still got a more than a six of Christmas Ale left.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
I’m sure this is common knowledge, but what is boodles?
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Gin. They don’t advertise, so it’s a word of mouth thing. Takes a decent liquor store to find it, though it’s not expensive.
by fleerdon on Dec 9, 2008 6:38 PM EST up reply actions
Really good stuff. Discovered it late in college.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 6:44 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks guys, I’ll have to give it a try.
Don't forget to pay your parking ticket.
by TheVanillaGorilla on Dec 9, 2008 6:47 PM EST up reply actions
i think that’s been an established fact
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:52 PM EST up reply actions
Damn. I might have to have one of my Texas friends ship me a couple of cases for the season. The 9th inning brought to you by Shiner…I love it.
Long live the Cosmo Spoetzel brewery.
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
see, now John’s does have Shiner Bock, along with Shiner everything else
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:57 PM EST up reply actions
they’ve expanded their distribution over the past decade, but not yet so far as Boston
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 7:04 PM EST up reply actions
i got Anchor Special Ale but this is a much more special occasion
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:28 PM EST up reply actions
Word, this is my night off of studying, might hit up the sto’ for one of these babies, but they’re expensive for a college kid.
sometimes Iowa sucks
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
why did I write sometimes …
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve got one of those big Rouge bottles, I think its Brutal Bitter. That and a few Sierra Nevada Celebration Ales will make for a nice evening.
Yeah, I’m living in my small hometown right now and found a decent beer store finally. They had a bunch of those 22 oz Rouges, and I figured I should try a few. Brutal Bitter is one of my favs.
As redident beer guy, I am gonna have to say Celebration Ale is awesome. Brutal Bitter is OK.
All of you OH guys should be glad you can get Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, that one is awesome.
LGT's resident beer connaisseur.
I don’t know if you can claim to be the only beer guy here.
I think the Brutal Bitter is very good: more subtle than the name suggests.
Celebration Ale is very good. My favorite of the Sierra Nevada brands I’ve tried, but I haven’t had their harvest brews.
Edmund Fitzgerald is money. But I’m a sucker for most things from GLBC. If you like the Celebration Ale from Sierra Nevada, I’d have to assume you like the Commodore Perry from Great Lakes: my favorite.
Have you gotten your hands on a Rogue Chipotle Ale yet?
It’s interesting, to say the least. But you really do taste the chipotle.
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
thats on my to-drink list
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 10, 2008 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Anything from Rogue is worthy. The XS Imperial Stout (750 mL ceramic bottle) is worthy of a World Series celebration. That reminds me, I bought a Dragon’s Milk (New Holland Brewing) 22 oz. to have on hand for when the Indians beat the Sox in 2007. God, I miss that beer—haven’t had one since.
i’m not in season shape
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 7:14 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll likely be the one against that. I really hate Dunn’s K numbers.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
well, dunn struck out twice in two at bats against kerry wood last year, so we’d get those back.
by Brick. on Dec 9, 2008 7:38 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
yea. he also hits about 220, and isn’t good with RISP unless its one of those HRs… or he’s facing Byrd.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
.236/.386/.513. That makes him our instant team leader in OPS. He also would have led our team in HR’s, been third in total bases, led in SLG, trailed only Choo in OBP and led in walks by 24. All of that and you don’t want him because he struck out 31 more times than Shoppach? The guy is an absolute monster whose K numbers have decreased over the last two seasons. Dunn at $9 million would be a steal.
When Dunn bunts, baby bunnies leap for joy, caterpillars become butterflies and puppies and kittens cavort joyously. It’s worth $9 million.
by Brad D on Dec 9, 2008 10:59 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
No, clubhouse cancer does, and it presents a toxic danger that can be unknowingly inhaled. Next thing you know Grady’s making the attendants pick up towels or some BS.
Steel Nick
Why would there be BS on the floor of the clubhouse?
by Logodaedalus on Dec 10, 2008 12:05 AM EST up reply actions
because you eat pieces of …. um… asbestos… for breakfast?
by Logodaedalus on Dec 10, 2008 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t it turn out that this stat was a total load of crap because he had, like, a million sac-flies?
Sac-flies don’t count as hits, hence they don’t help the RISP stats.
In 2008, Dunn had 651 PA, with 408 baserunners, 220 with RISP, and he got 100 RBI.
The average hitter in 651 PA had 411 baserunners, 211 with RISP, and got 74 RBI.
Thank you, B-Ref, and … epic fail, I think.
And for Dick Pole to be our pitching coach.
by SuddenSam on Dec 9, 2008 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
UPDATE No. 3 (5:45 p.m. ET): Just to clarify here, the deal will not be completed today. It’s going to take a few days, if not longer, because of the aforementioned physical/paperwork logistics. But I remain cautiously confident in telling you Kerry Wood will be a member of the Indians soon.
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 6:46 PM EST reply actions
the Indians have already signed off on Wood’s medical report
This does not reassure me in the least. Still, pretty crazy that we got this kind of player for that contract.
In the spirit of, “the stars are aligned so that we can get whatever we want” – what’s everyone’s next dream acquisition once we have Wood nailed down?
I’m actually struggling to figure out what mine is at the moment…
how about Sheets on a 2-year deal (i’m at a loss for infielders – Jay is right that a prospects for Beltre trade will never happen)
by APV on Dec 9, 2008 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
I kind of like the idea. Take care of the pitching, if that’s what’s undervalued in the market. Play the position players by ear and see what comes along.
I’m pretty fine with the One Last Chance themed Spring, between Marte and Barfield. It might leave Peralta in a state of positional limbo, but that’s a fine detail in the big picture.
Helium Watch: Chuck Lofgren, OF
his career interleague tOPS+ is 97.
instead of making you look that up like i had to, it’s his OPS+ of the interleague split relative to his overall OPS.
so, if i’m reading it correctly, the difference is negligible.
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
ben fran has been totally forgotten this off season
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 10, 2008 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
That’s because ben fran is just a guy.
On Griffey, yeah he’s probably done, but certainly a team will take a look. It actually makes zero sense for us to even try, now that I think about it. Not because of Francisco, but because of Dellucci.
Dellucci.
by dgcambridge on Dec 10, 2008 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
The Royals, sources indicate, are unlikely to send Greinke to Atlanta in a swap for Francouer unless the Braves accept Guillen and his entire salary while also surrendering shortstop Yunel Escobar and one, and possibly two, other top prospects.
Steel Nick
thanks, there’s been so much to read in the past 24 hours i can’t possibly get to it all.
hell, i killed over a half-hour at work digesting this entire thread this morning.
You know Selig? Ombudsman.
God knows I killed more than that. This was the most productive thing I did all day. At work.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
by Turkmenbashi on Dec 10, 2008 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
1. Sheets on a 2-year deal with an option
2. Dunn for 8 mil/per, play him at first.
3. Trade Betancourt, I think
4. Trade Garko and Francisco for anything.
5. Hire Schottenheimer to run the front office and Cowher to coach.
(this is all pure fantasy right?)
If you’re getting Cowher, you’re not getting a FO man too. Cowher won’t stand for that.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
I would say the first player we sign for anything close to $10 million, closes the door on that possibility. Not that it isn’t already closed.
by Jay on Dec 9, 2008 7:24 PM EST up reply actions
It’s only slightly less poignant than the music discussion that went on here.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
I don’t know why you’ve felt a need to shit on that convo both here and in this thread.
Thanks for your contribution!
Helium Watch: Chuck Lofgren, OF
Dude, relax. It’s a joke. I’m honestly a little embarrassed I didn’t have anything to add to that.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
We’ll have to sort this out in the Cleve. Perhaps over Christmas ales on me.
Burn on, big river, burn on...
Coincidentally I have two Christmas Ales left, which is enough just enough for me to get drunk on an empty stomach.
(Not Phil’s empty stomach)
Helium Watch: Chuck Lofgren, OF
i love empty stomach drunk
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 9:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Steve Phillips is reporting that it’s “likely two years and $12-$14M.”
That price seems too low. Plus, it’s Steve Phillips. But here’s to hoping. If that’s the case, it’s a steal. I find it unlikely that the Tigers would have balked at matching or beating that.
I thought that’s right within what we’ve been discussing here, if maybe a little higher. Per, obviously.
I believe Wood with incentives made just under 8M last year. I figured him on a two year deal to go about 2/20.
If it’s $12-14 per that’s more than K-Rod. If it’s $12-14 total (for two years) that seems really low.
Steel Nick
That’s an insanely good deal. Are we missing something?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 9:04 PM EST up reply actions
Can you make Pedroia’s head come off?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 7:55 PM EST up reply actions
Just wondering – might we be after Wood to be part of our rotation?? Or is it absolutely clear that he can’t do that anymore? Would there be enough $$ to sign both Wood and Hoffman.
He’s an injury risk as a reliever. Why would we substantially increase that risk with high innings?
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 8:23 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve never recced so many things in one day.
Travis Hafner is overrated. Clarity is underrated. David Dellucci is David Dellucci.
CastroTurf:
UPDATE No. 4 (8:00 p.m. ET): As you might imagine, Mark Shapiro did not confirm the impending Wood deal. It is the Indians’ long-standing policy not to comment on deals until they are done, and, as I wrote before, this deal isn’t done.
But Shapiro has been pretty forthcoming all winter in saying the Indians hadn’t made any offers, and he didn’t say that today. His tone shifted to the next stage, which is that he won’t comment on any offers made. Here’s the meat of what he had to say:
“Nothing constructive comes out of commenting on negotiations. The one thing I will do is confirm that we have interest in guys. Kerry Wood is one of a number of guys we are interested in. As far as completion and numbers, I’m not going to comment on anything until the completion of a deal. It’s not constructive to the process.”
Castrovince is hands-down the best professional writer covering the Indians.
by Voltaire on Dec 9, 2008 8:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I promise I won’t reneg on this sentiment if Wood turns out to be a bust. But it just feels damn good to get a guy that other teams want.
Now let’s trade Shopp and some spare parts for a 3rd starter and we can call this offseason a success.
aye. It’s too bad SS Starter Priority is such a terrible name for a ship…
by Logodaedalus on Dec 9, 2008 11:51 PM EST up reply actions
I just finished watching some archived september outings by Wood on mlb.tv. Had a shit-eating grin on my face the whole time.
Most impressive was a two inning stint on Sept. 18 in an extra inning game against the Brewers. Comes on in the 10th and strikes out the side, then induces 3 groundball outs in the 11th with runners on 2B and 3B. Spotting his fastball at 94-96 with a wicked 81 mph curve. Very impressive.
Can’t wait for Adam Miller to soak up some knowledge from Mr. Wood. They actually look kinda similar on the mound. Fingers crossed, but man, our pen could be out of this world soon.
Phillips hasn’t been right since he sold-high on Alex Escobar. And even then, he was wrong for buying Alomar.
by xrickx on Dec 9, 2008 9:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wow, just read through the thread and it’s clear that LGT is feeling like this.
For the singing lines at the end, we might as well just sub in:
Shapiro gave us Wood, some say unexpectedly
He hasn’t closed a game but Wood will close the deal with me
These are just baseball terms – don’t assume erotically
But for indiansfan, Kerry’s perfect ecstasy
by tabler84 on Dec 9, 2008 9:09 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Samberg should focus only on these kinds of productions.
Perhaps I should have mentioned that the link is not entirely SFW.
Too late. I hope you’re not suggesting that our excitement about this is premature.
"Lotta heart in Cleveland." - Ian Hunter
by Denver Tribe Fan on Dec 9, 2008 9:17 PM EST up reply actions
Nah. You call it premature, I just call it ecstasy.
by tabler84 on Dec 9, 2008 9:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
hey oh
Anti-Ben Fran before it was cool.
by Gradyforpresident on Dec 9, 2008 9:31 PM EST up reply actions
In retrospect this comment should have gone in the “Wood as Killing Machine” thread
by Logodaedalus on Dec 9, 2008 11:55 PM EST up reply actions
In a BP article published on SI.com, this quote explains some of KRod’s lost velocity – I hadn’t heard this, but it is worth noting that the slide in his numbers is not necessarily an indication of pending arm problems. (His mechanics are another issue…)
The short deal works both ways. It minimizes the Mets’ exposure to injury risk, something that any critic of Rodriguez’s violent mechanics might be relieved to see, though it’s worth noting that the pitcher’s springtime ankle injury led to some tweaks in his delivery that cost him a little velocity but lowered the stress on his arm, which should help him in the long run. The deal also gets the going-on-27-year-old closer back to the market sooner rather than later, with the chance at another big payday before his 30th birthday, likely in a more hospitable economic climate.
Yankees and Red Sox - MLB's Axis of Evil
(And ESPN is right in the middle)
I posted this elsewhere but it is mildly germane to the issue here.
That’s the thing really, we will be getting just as good, if not better, performance. Frankie is still in the process of destroying his arm and becoming less and less effective*. Wood’s arm is actually more live than it has been since 2005**. This is all good if we get him.
*Average fastball- 91.9, down from 94.8. Average slider- 79.6, down from 84.2. Average changeup- 84.4, up from 83.2. First strike percentage- 54.5, down from 57.4. His contact rate was the second highest in his entire career and his outside the zone swing rate was second lowest. Marcel projects K-Rod to be just slightly worse than Wood this year.
- Average fastball- 94.8, up from 92.9. Average slider- 82.7, actually down from 83.4. Average curveball- 80.4, up from 75.9 Average changeup- 81, down from 86. First strike percentage- 61.4%. Wood generated more swings and walked two batters less per 9/IP. Sign me up.
Not to throw cold water on the discussion, but John Kruk says this is a good signing.
Yankees and Red Sox - MLB's Axis of Evil
(And ESPN is right in the middle)
Far from official — “radio reports here in Chicago” — but this guy is saying $21MM over two, which seems more realistic.
If Shapiro is even acknowledging that there’s a deal not to be done, it probably means that the deal is done.
"It's hard to win when you don't score." Cliff Lee, 9/28/05.
by Harry Doyle on Dec 10, 2008 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re saying he’s denying having Wood by saying his pants just fold that way when he sits down, but we all know what’s going on under there?
it’s an optical illusion. I’m gonna take these back to the..um..pants store right now.
by jakesinger777 on Dec 10, 2008 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Brick. I think Shapiro knows he has Wood – and most people know he has Wood. But Shapiro has to appear in public, so he opts to tuck Wood up and clamp him down with a belt so that he’s hard to spot.
So how big was the Indians’ move to Arizona?
The Indians’ new spring training facility in Goodyear, Ariz., seemingly played a part in attracting Wood. He makes his offseason home in Arizona. The Tigers and Mets, who talked to Wood before they signed Francisco Rodriguez, train in Florida.
Reportedly Wood told the Mets that they’d have to give him a three-year deal if he was going to train in Florida.
Another CastroTurf update:
Multiple reports claim the Indians’ two-year guarantee to Kerry Wood is worth a total of $20 million, though that figure has not yet been confirmed. The impending deal is believed to include an option — possibly a vesting option — for a third year.
As reported earlier, the deal is not yet done and probably won’t be for at least another couple of days. But multiple sources say the deal will most assuredly get done.
For what it’s worth, Wood had been seeking three years, $30 million this winter.
So…next step. Do we trade Shoppach or keep Shoppach?
How do we acquire an IF? Are we actually going to start Andy?
I don’t know how much mileage you’ll get out of this question at the bottom of this huge thread…
But I’m having trouble seeing where the infielder might come from. It’s much different than the closer situation.
There are enough teams in on Furcal (reportedly) that he won’t be a bargain. He made $13 M last year. Cabrera? yuck. Hudson is reportedly too pricey. Everett, Isturis, Renteria, Blake gone. Not to mention that a lot of those guys aren’t any better than what we have.
If you cross of the available trade targets in their last year (Beltre, Blalock), those with overpriced contracts (Young), or those in both categories (Tejada), it seems like it would have to be someone coming as complete surprise, like Barfield.
Oh yeah, there’s still Atkins, though he’s rumored to be staying in Colorado. I still would like to see him here, but evidently the Rox have been asking for the moon.
Which leaves us with….Crede?
I’m slowly coming to the realization that our outfield is probably set. As is the whole C/1B/DH shuffle.
And we should still add that extra starter. Garland?
Infielders are still available. Kelly Johnson may be. Brian Roberts is if the Orioles can’t lock him up. Grudzielanek is out there (whether he’s worth shifting the infield is a whole different issue). What’s the market for Orlando Hudson? The DRays could move Willie Aybar. Can Eric Hinske still play 3B? Felipe Lopez, a free agent, has the tools to be an All-Star player, but he’s not a gloveman, wears out his welcome, and is a Boras guy. You can take a flier on Nomar on a one year deal.
Of the non-Crede free agent options, I prefer Nomar at 3B. I think Lopez is a nice gamble at 2B, but I’m not sure he’s worth moving Jhonny and Droobs. The best alternative: Andy Marte. Not a free agent. But he’s free.
It’s not pretty. But again, the offense is really not a concern for me. I’d much prefer a starting pitcher.
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