Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Cubs' year? Knock on Wood

Has it really been 100 years?


To any and all Chicago Cubs fans, we refer to it as a life sentence. The Billy Goat. Steve Bartman. Cursed. Jinxed. We've heard it all. And there is seemingly no parole.

And now, the legend has somehow grown, as this fall marks the 100th anniversary of the last Cubs World Series championship, 1908.

It's been so documented, you can almost hear the ivy shrivel on the vine.

So in my first fantasy baseball blog, it's only fitting to bring up the most recent Wrigley legend, who is at the center of the current Cubs closer controversy: Kerry Wood.

Since the day he whiffed 20 Astros in '96, Wood has been destined to deliver a title to the North Side. And I'm here to tell you, Kerry Time has come.

Knock on Wood.

This has nothing to do with predicting a Cubs World Series. Now, that really would be a fantasy.

But for all you who may have your fantasy draft before Lou Piniella makes a decision - which is likely this weekend - Wood will be your Cubs closer in 2008.

Sure, the oft-injured Wood still needs to show he can pitch back-to-back days, but since giving up 3 runs on March 1, he's thrown 6 scoreless innings, giving up 2 hits, walking none while striking out 4. I saw one of those March 9, when the slimmed-down Wood threw 98-mph cheese past Tony Pena Jr., who ended up swinging helplessly. And on his knees.

What about Carlos Marmol? Bobby Howry?

Howry's a solid setup guy, but he's been lit up like a Christmas tree this spring. Marmol's the real deal.

In fact, Marmol's stuff is nasty, probably better than Wood's. And yeah, he's the closer of the future, with a spring ERA of 1.29 not to mention the 1.43 ERA last year. Watching him close out games against the Mariners and Royals with two perfect innings and a spirited fist pump, you couldn't help but be impressed.

But as fan-friendly as Marmol is trying to be - he spent 30 minutes signing autographs for fans before one game - Wood has the sentimental fan vote and the growing sentiment is he'll get first crack at the job.

Not to mention, he's got the mystique.

For a few moments in March, when 97s and 98s flashed after each fastball and he retired the side in order, if you listened closely you could almost hear a billy goat's faint scream in the distance of the Arizona mountains.

Could this be the year? Could it?

Make Wood a top-15 closer and ride the wave yourself.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good to see some baseball coverage in Charlotte. Right on!

Anonymous said...

Love the fantasy baseball blog idea. I think Kerry Wood could still have trouble with pitching with little rest in between. Jenks would be a better choice.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the new Fantasy Blog! After three drafts so far, Kerry Wood's been picked middle to late rounds. Could be real sleeper closer this year! Also noticed a recovering B.J. Ryan can be had in later rounds!
Keep up the good work!

Anonymous said...

Trevor: Good luck with Mr. Wood. I have my doubts. Beware of Brewers this year. I like the blog though. And that is one great name. Very catchy.
Sign me,
The Irish Blogger

Anonymous said...

I don't know much about baseball, but this is a great idea.
Now if only we could get the Charlotte O's back in town....

Anonymous said...

T. Freeze - you seem to be a knowlegable fella... can you steer us toward a reputable "schrute-buck" vendor? ... and send us good directions cause we don't trust our GPS after the "pond incident".

-- the self-proclaimed A-Listers.

Anonymous said...

I like this idea better than that stupid fantasy NFL blog charlotte.com had. Good riddance.

So, shuld I pick up Martinez?

Anonymous said...

I was right in my earlier comment about resting between outings. Sun-times just reported Wood is sidelined with back spasms.

Anonymous said...

Well, that's a great inaugural post: take my favorite player on my favorite team because I've got a feeling this is our year!

Coming from a Scrubs fan, it's not only worthless, but pitiable.

Anonymous said...

Love the idea of a fantasy baseball blog.

As far as Wood goes, you're on crack. Top 15 closer??? Have fun saying "better luck next year" as you always do with the Cubs and now with your fantasy team if you're drafting this guy as a top-15 closer.

Anonymous said...

I'll be following your blog to help me with the fantasy team . . . so keep the advice coming!

Anonymous said...

Eh Freeze Frame,

I gotta tell you, my mitts are worn out. Wood's been popping my glove like Snoop Dog at a strip club. He's bringing heat, like Paris Hilton heat.

We're gonna be good this year. And I'm gonna be one of the best catchers in the National League. You just watch.

Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

Great idea (fantasy baseball blog) and first post. My only complaint is the exclusiveness to one player which I might not even have a chance to draft.

A couple draft day tips in a future post would be appreciated.

Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

you write a blog about the Cub closer and he goes down that day! thanks! how about writing about the Cardinals or the brewers? as if the Cubs need your help! from Toss