So Kerry Wood will no longer be a Chicago Cub. My favorite player on the team will not be signed and that means Carlos Marmol will become the new closer. Kevin Gregg, recently acquired from the Marlins (at the HUGE expense of Jose Ceda) will probably fit into the 8th inning, depending on what they do with Samardzija.
Is this a good move?
Obviously, I’m a little biased, but I think this is probably a smart move. Sure, they aren’t saving THAT MUCH money, but considering the needs the team has (another outfielder or a second baseman like Brian Roberts), it makes fiscal sense.
Relievers are notoriously inconsistent and signing Wood to a long-term contract right not probably doesn’t make sense, especially with all his injury problems he’s had. Besides, they have a closer-in-waiting in Carlos Marmol that could step in right away.
They have a string of guys to get them there too: Samardzija and Gregg.
Does it suck big time that Woody is gone? Yes. But if you look at the numbers and the dollars, it makes sense. It must’ve been tough for Hendry to make the move, but I can’t really argue too much with it.
The Stretch 