Kerry Wood Signs, Will Make Run at Closer's Role

Wood, 30, turned his back on possible multiyear free-agent offers from other teams to return to the Cubs for a one-year, $4.2 million deal that also includes incentive clauses for games finished.

Whoa, what?

I'm glad Kerry Wood is back. I think he's a good reliever who showed at times that he can be flat out dominant... in the 7th inning role. However, it's a big, big, big mistake if the Cubs make him the closer. Now while I trust Lou Piniella to make the right decision (insert Howry or Marmol in the closer's role), I do NOT understand putting that language in the contract to begin with.

Kerry Wood can be dominant. He can also walk guys like crazy or groove belt high heat when he's off. When he's off, he's off. If we wanted to watch a closer that would scare us to death with his walks, Ryan Dempster would still be the closer.

The fact that Kerry Wood will even enter Spring Training as a Closer contender is the wrong move.

The absolute shut down guys who are consistently shut down guys are Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry. Give Kerry Wood a "Holds" clause and get this Closer nonsense out of everybody's minds right now. Kerry Wood is a set-up man, period.

Kerry Wood Covets Closer's Role [Chicago Sun-Times]

Kerry Wood Re-Signs With the Cubs

670AM The Score is reporting that Kerry Wood has signed a 1 year deal to play with the Cubs in '08. We'll link some articles with more info when it becomes available.

The Score also mentioned that Kerry Wood chose a 1 year deal with the Cubs over a 2 year deal with the Red Sox. You've got to admire Kerry Wood's loyalty to the Cubs. If he can find a way to stay healthy, he's the perfect guy to be a face of the franchise because of the right reasons. He's a loyal guy who wants to win the Cubs first title in 100 years. It's impossible not to root for him.

Kaz Matsui Could Sign Early Next Week

The question remains, however, where Kaz Matsui will sign. The Denver Post is reporting that it's between the Astros, Rockies, and Cubs for Kaz Matsui. The Cubs & Astros have offered more money than the Rockies have offered.

Kaz Mulling His Options [The Denver Post]

Cubs Pressing Hard for Kazuo Matsui?

After losing free-agent catcher Yorvit Torrealba to the New York Mets on Thursday, the Rockies are bracing for the loss of Kazuo Matsui.

The Chicago Cubs are pressing hard to sign the free-agent second baseman. One source close to the negotiations said he wouldn't be surprised if Matsui is offered a contract similar to the three-year, $14.4 million deal the Mets gave Torrealba.

If this move happens, I'll be anxious to hear the Cubs explanation and exactly where they plan on playing Matsui. Matsui has played both 2nd and Shortstop since coming over to the US. It sounds like the Cubs would have a Theriot/Matsui combo up the middle, and then have Mark DeRosa go back to his "super-utility" role in which in thrived in so well last season instead of locking him in as the starting 2nd baseman. DeRosa plays multiple positions well and one can easily argue he was MVP of the team last season. DeRosa, playing the "super-utility," can give days off which are very critical to the Cubs, seeing as how run down Ryan Theriot was at the end of this past season and playoffs.

Cubs Pushing Hard for Matsui [Denver Post]

Crawford Rumors Continue

In the Boston Globe, Nick Cafardo talks more about the Carl Crawford to the Cubs trade rumors.

The Rays are receiving interest in star left fielder Carl Crawford. Major league sources indicate the Cubs may be in the market for Crawford, and would be willing to dangle lefthander Rich Hill of Milton and reliever Carlos Marmol as part of a package to acquire the All-Star.

Really? The Cubs would be willing to part with Marmol? I find this hard to believe because I don't want to believe it. Marmol has the stuff to be an electric closer and he was one of the NL's best middle relievers this season. And this trade would be for a guy who would be asked to play centerfield, even though he doesn't play centerfield. Hill and Marmol for Carl Crawford? No thanks. Let's go back to Hill/Patterson for Crawford. Or switch it to Marshall/Patterson for Crawford. Throw in Ronny Cedeno for good measure.

First make a run at Fukudome to play rightfield. When he signs with the Cubs or another team, then worry about what to do with centerfield.

Hill/Marmol for Crawford? [Boston Globe]

Cubs Showing Interest In Geoff Jenkins?

Dear God, please say it isn't so. If this is true, Jim Hendry, get this stupid thought out of your head right now.

Free-agent outfielder Geoff Jenkins showed class by purchasing a full-page ad thanking Brewers' fans in last Saturday's Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

"Over the past 10 seasons, I've had the pleasure of playing in front of the best fans in the country," Jenkins wrote. "I thank you for all of your support and will always remember my time in Milwaukee. You have made me feel like a part of your community and those memories will last a lifetime."

The Cubs and Padres are among the teams showing interest in Jenkins, along with the Giants, Rangers and Royals.

If the Cubs want an old rightfielder, they're better off re-signing Cliff Floyd and his rickety old knees. Jenkins strikes out way too much and his prime has passed him way.... uh ... did Geoff Jenkins have a prime?

I wouldn't put it past Jim Hendry to sign a RFer at the very end of his career though. We've seen Jeromy Burnitz and Cliff Floyd. Burnitz struck out what seemed like every at-bat and Floyd could only play 3 days a week.

Don't even think about signing Geoff Jenkins, Jim Hendry. Don't even think about it.

Cubs Rumored to be Interested in Geoff Jenkins [FoxSports]

Sad News, Craig Monroe Fan

I put "fan" because there was probably only one Craig Monroe fan out there. It probably wasn't Craig Monroe either.

The Cubs continued to shuffle their roster in preparation for 2008, dealing outfielder Craig Monroe to the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday for a player to be named.

The Cubs acquired Monroe on Aug. 23 from Detroit for reliever Clay Rapada to add another right-handed bat, and he hit .204 with a home run and four RBIs in 23 games in Chicago. Between the Tigers and Cubs, Monroe batted .219 with 12 homers and 59 RBIs in 122 games in 2007.

Ok, so that leaves Alfonso Soriano, Matt Murton, Felix Pie, Omar Infante, Daryle Ward, Mark DeRosa, and possibly Sam Fuld as the team's outfielders? That's a terrifying thought.

The deal frees up center field for Felix Pie, though Hendry also mentioned Sam Fuld and even Ronny Cedeno as possible candidates.

Even Ronny Cedeno? You can't be serious. When are we finally going to see that he's been traded?

The Cubs could try to pull off a trade for Tampa Bay's Carl Crawford, which would probably take Rich Hill, Eric Patterson and a couple more prospects.

I would pull the trigger on this trade in a heartbeat. Rich Hill is consistently inconsistent and Eric Patterson's last name is Patterson.

Hendry's primary target appears to be Japanese free agent Kosuke Fukudome, who declared for Japanese free agency Monday.

So what are you waiting for, Jim Hendry?

Cubs Moves & Rumors [Chicago Tribune]

Craig Monroe is Gone [Cubs.com]

Jacque Finally Shipped Out

We at Out of Right Field would like to wish Jacque Jones well in his departure, after............You know what, I can't even type that without busting out laughing. Jim Hendry finally did what needed to be done this afternoon, and shipped Jacque Jones to the Tigers for utility player Omar Infante.

There are a few questions with the trade, like why did he add yet another second baseman, but we can safely say that Jones will not be playing for the Cubs any longer. Jones was a lightning rod for criticism in his tenure in Chicago, from the claims of being taunted racially by fans, having a ball thrown at him from the bleachers, to the reign of boos in the first half of last year. Jones, however, was one of the key reasons the Cubs made a run last June/July, as his bat and defense in center field was a key.

The trade of Jones made an even bigger mess of the Cubs' outfield though. As of today, the Cubs are certain to have Alfonso Soriano in left, and that is it. Felix Pie and Matt Murton are the only other everyday outfielders on the roster, and that is scary. Pie can't hit, and Murton has had flashes, but hasn't been fantastic.

Japanese outfielder Kosuke Fukudome of the Chunichi Dragons officially declared for free agency, and the Cubs have been rumored to be in love with his bat and defensive skills, which have been compared to Ichiro. Another possibility, and it hasn't been talked about too much, is Mark DeRosa. DeRosa played all over the diamond last year, and with Infante, Fontenot, Ryan Theriot (who the Cubs brass is supposedly not sold on at short), along with Jim Hendry's fascination with Kaz Matsui, the only explanation is Mark in right field while the rest battle for second base.

That type of thinking can only work though, when the team finally reports to Spring Training. You see, it is not even Thanksgiving yet, but Jim Hendry knows things still need to be changed. In all likelihood, Jones was the first domino to fall, and hopefully from there the rest will too. All we can do is sit back and enjoy it. February can't get here soon enough.

Jones out, Infante in (foxsports.com)

Instant Replay Could Happen Next Season

One of the many things that are being discussed at the current GM meetings in Florida is instant replay. The GMs voted yesterday, 25-5, recommending the league to consider instant replay on homeruns.

The proposal, approved by a 25-5 vote, was limited to boundary calls — whether potential home runs are fair or foul, whether balls go over fences or hit the tops and bounce back, and whether fans interfere with possible homers.

"We've taken the first step. The question will be now, what do we do?" said Jimmie Lee Solomon, executive vice president for baseball operations in the commissioner's office. "We have glacier-like movement in baseball, so I'm hopeful that we can at least start meaningful discussions about it. I think that this will be something we'll have to go very deliberately on."

Solomon said the next step will be to speak with commissioner Bud Selig, who opposes the use of replays but said last month he was willing to let GMs examine the issue. If Selig gives the go-ahead, Solomon and staff in the commissioner's office would draft a detailed replay proposal that GMs could vote on when they gather next month at the winter meetings in Nashville, Tenn.

The replay would be modeled after the NHL, where a group in a booth would go over the play and relay the decision to the umpire via telephone. People will still not be satisfied, as they'll still want replays on close plays at the bags and plate, balls hit down the line, and eventually balls and strikes.

Replay A Step Closer to Happening [Yahoo]

Hot Stove Rumors Continue...

- The Denver post writes that the Cubs have interest in Kazuo Matsui, the 2nd baseman on the NL Champion Colorado Rockies.

So Kaz would play 2nd base, taking over for Mark DeRosa? Once again, how does this make the Cubs better? Kaz has been a bust since coming over to the United States, but he's now parlaying a season in which he hit .288 and only made 4 errors in the field. However, Matsui only played 104 games this season, has a career average of .272 and an OBP of .325.

Cubs, please pass on Matsui. [Denver Post]

- Phil Rogers writes today that Ryan Dempster looks like he's heading for a possible rotation slot, instead of working in the bullpen this season. Dempster will compete with Kevin Hart, Sean Marshall, possibly Angel Guzman, and perhaps others for the 5th rotation slot.

Rogers also reiterates his obsession with putting Kerry Wood as the closer. Kerry Wood has pitched 110 innings over the last 3 seasons. He's had problem with injuries since he came into the league. Everyone saw how Manager Lou Piniella did not want to move players out of their roles this season, despite Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry throwing lights out almost every time they pitched. With Wood's health always up in the air, the best play for the Cubs would be to have Howry or Marmol be the closer from the very first day of Spring Training. Why put a question mark in the closer role, when you have 2 sure things already on the roster? Wood needs to stay in his middle relief/set-up role. That is if he's even a Cub... as the Cubs still need to decide what to do with him.

This article also says that Lou Piniella is going to give Felix Pie the opportunity to be the starting centerfield. Pie is working with hitting coach Gerald Perry right now on shortening his swing. Pie is extremely fast, but his speed doesn't mean jack if he's never on base. Hopefully Gerald Perry can help fix Felix Pie. [Chicago Tribune]

Donald Trump, Owner of the Cubs?

Michael Sneed of the Sun-Times says that Donald Trump is looking to make a bigger name for himself in the City of Chicago by possibly getting into the running for buying the Chicago Cubs.

The Trumpster talked about his dugout dreams during opening remarks at a Donald E. Stephens Convention Center seminar Sunday evening in Rosemont.

The ego man shot a barb at billionaire Mark Cuban, who is part of a group hoping to buy the Cubbies, by chiding him for not winning anything in his life. I can't stand Donald Trump, so he would be one of the last people I would want taking over ownership of the Cubs.

Although, could he set up a reality show on who takes over GM of his team like the Apprentice? The turnout for something like that would be huge, as all the wannabe GMs would flock like crazy. The bottom line: the Cubs would be a bigger circus than they already are if Donald Trump bought the team.

Stay away, Trump.

Donald Trump, Owner of the Cubs? [Chicago Sun-Times]

And the Hot Stove Rumors Begin...

- Phil Rogers writes that Hendry is leaning towards resigning Kerry Wood, but maybe not Mark Prior. Rogers writes that Wood could "possibly be closer," with Dempster moving from the role or could be traded. Possibly be the closer? Don't think so Phil Rogers. Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry are much more consistent pitchers than Kerry Wood to effectively produce in the closer's role. Wood needs to stay in the5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th inning as this past season. [Chicago Tribune]

- Apparently the Cubs will be a main player in the Kosuke Fukudome sweepstakes. Fukudome, who is compared to Raul Ibanez, plays centerfield and is a left handed bat with some pop.

But Phil Rogers loses me again when he says that if the Cubs acquire Fukudome, the Cubs could then move Felix Pie to the Padres for Khalil Greene. That sounds like a good move for..... wait a minute, what? Why would the Cubs trade for Khalil Greene, Phil Rogers? Do you laugh when the Chicago Tribune gives you a paycheck? How does trading the Cubs #1 prospect for Khalil Greene make the Cubs better for '08? I guess when you need to fill paper space, you just write a bunch of crap you hope the people reading just pass over. How does Khalil Greene help make the Cubs better?

- According to the Boston Herald, the Cubs have interest in centerfield free agent Coco Crisp. Crisp is a good fielder and still has good speed. He would be an improvement over Jacque Jones because of his speed. But not that much more of an improvement. I hope the Cubs pass and look at other options.

Derrek Lee Wins Gold Glove

Despite having the 4th best fielding percentage among first baseman in the National League, despite having 7 errors to Todd Helton's 2 errors, Derrek Lee won his 3rd Gold Glove of his career.

The Gold Glove, more than any award in MLB, is based on reputation, rather than stats. If stats were the criteria for awards, Derek Jeter would never have won all of his Gold Gloves at shortstop in the American League.

While Todd Helton has a strong case with only 2 errors, Derrek Lee saves so many throws because of his height and wingspan. Aramis Ramirez would average 30 errors a season I believe if it weren't for Derrek Lee. And if Ronny Cedeno played 162 games with an average 1st baseman? He might top 100 errors.

DLee Wins Gold Glove Award [Cubs.com]

Daryle Ward Back For Next Season

Pinch hit specialist Daryle Ward had his option for next season exercised by the Cubs today, keeping him on the Cubs bench for one more season.

Ward, 32, reportedly will earn $1.2 million next season. After signing a free-agent deal with the Cubs last December, he hit .327 in 79 games, including .268 (11-for-41) with 11 walks as a pinch-hitter.

Since the start of 2006, Ward's 33 pinch-hits are second only to Houston's Orlando Palmeiro, who has 35. Ward's 21 walks as a pinch-hitter over the last two seasons leads the big leagues, while his 21 RBIs in that role trail only Olmedo Saenz (27) and Javier Valentin (22).

With 72 career pinch-hits, Ward is tied for fifth among active players, along with David Dellucci and Saenz. Mark Sweeney leads all active players with 163 career pinch-hits.

Obviously this is a great move by the Cubs. Ward can play a little outfield when he's needed, he can play first to give Derrek Lee a day off, and he's power left-handed bat off the bench. Kudos to Jim Hendry and his staff for locking him up for another season.

Ward On Board for '08 [Cubs.com - Adam McCalvy]