Why not try to sign Kerry Wood?

by TigerFaninDC on Dec 3, 2008 2:23 PM EST Comment 12 comments

I haven't seen any contract speculation on Wood, yet - but I think it safe to assume he's open to a two-year plus option deal (unless you're the Cubs and he'd accept a one year deal!). Assuming he's well south of Krod and Fuentes projected average annual salary range of $10 - $14 million, let's say he'd go for a two year $6 million a year with a $2 million option-year buyout. Why wouldn't the Tigers jump at this especially considering the signing doesn't cost draft picks?

Sure, Wood is an injury risk - but he pitched 65+ innings last year and was on the DL only once and early in season. His peripherals are wonderful - 1.3 K per inning, 4.7 K to BB ratio - only 18 unintentional walks in 66 innings. Simply, the guy throws strikes and misses bats.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Bless You Boys writing staff. However, it does reflect the views of this particular fan, which is as important as anything else written here at BYB.

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I believe Wood is looking for around 10 million/year. That is one reason the Cubs let him go even though he might have come back to them for less. If Wood would even consider 1 year at 6 million with an option for 2010 I would jump on it.

by tigerfaninChicago on Dec 3, 2008 2:49 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Hmm, $10 Million a year seems like a lot...

But I did just read that Wood actually made $8 Million last year with incentives…would he take $10 Million in year one and a $3 Million buyout year two option?

by TigerFaninDC on Dec 3, 2008 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I can’t speak for what Wood would take. I believe you are correct on what he made last year and even if he would accept that I think that is more than what the Tigers are looking to spend. Just one fans opinion though. Wood is definetly someone I would enjoy seeing close for the Tigers.

by tigerfaninChicago on Dec 3, 2008 5:15 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I can say this last season that Wood, when he didn't have

blisters was one heck of a closer. I got to see him a lot pitching against the Cardinals and he would be a great addition to the Tigers relief core. As for the money, I’ve also heard $10 million a year, but if he was willing to negotiate in Chicago he might be in Detroit also.

Just a honest question, for I don’t know the Tigers well enough to know. With the amount of money the Tigers are paying in salaries would they be better off paying some more to fill the holes they can with free agents so they can compete this next year or would they be better off just working with youth for the next year.

From the outside where I am at it seems the Tigers need a lot of starting pitching and a closer. But, perhaps because I am not as familar with them (though I am trying to be more aware about them) as I am the Cardinals,do they have some young pitchers they will be bringing up and several other holes they can fill with young talent? Thanks for your insights, know I appreciate them and please know I am asking for I want to learn more about the Tigers. :)

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.-Rogers Hornsby

by thegashousegang on Dec 3, 2008 8:11 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Tigers are in a flux at this point. They over spent last year for what amounted to being a last place team. So, it is reasonable to expect the team to control it’s spending a little this year. They also have some in house options at SP, RP and SS that should be ready in 2010 so giving anyone a multi-year deal now at those positions doesn’t make sense either. The Tigers would be more competive next year with Wood at closer but to truly be a contender they also need help in the rotation and at catcher and they don’t have the money to spend to fix those this year. My opinion is that I would like the Tigers to sign a reliever or two to a one year contract and then make due everywhere else with in house options. I would still say that if things break right we could compete but it also sets us up nicely for 2010.

by tigerfaninChicago on Dec 4, 2008 10:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Thank you, that clarifies things a bit for me. :)

Know I really appreciate learning more about the Tigers from their fans. It is interesting to see how the different franchises handle their futures in regards to the contracts, money flow, fan support and minor league talent coming up.

Its simple for fans around the league to criticize a team for not picking up free agents and building a winner immediately. But, if they took the time to learn about the teams they would see that most of them are truly doing the best they can with what they have. Of course, there are a few exceptions that the fans scratch their heads over wondering what they were thinking.

So, without the money going for contracts in 2010 the Tigers should be in the market for some big free agents to blend with the upcoming talent then. Interesting…..

Again, thank you for explaining what is up with the Tigers to me. :)

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.-Rogers Hornsby

by thegashousegang on Dec 4, 2008 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Tigers in hunt for Wood after all?

This popped up on the Chicago Sun-Times today. According to this article the two top contenders for Kerry Wood are the Mets and you guessed it… the Tigers!

Go To:

Your Thoughts?

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.-Rogers Hornsby

by thegashousegang on Dec 5, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

here is the link.... for some reason it didn't work...

http://www.suntimes.com/sports/deluca/1315528,CST-SPT-deluca05.article

People ask me what I do in winter when there's no baseball. I'll tell you what I do. I stare out the window and wait for spring.-Rogers Hornsby

by thegashousegang on Dec 5, 2008 9:05 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I like the idea

It seems as if Dombrowski is trying to limit the amount of cash the Tigs spend this offseason, which is understandable after last year. If this is the case, I’d much rather see us go after a reliever (or two) than a shortstop or catcher. Position players tend to adapt to the big leagues quicker than pitchers do and I think there’s a deeper free agent market for pitchers this year. I like the idea of bringing Wood to the Tigers (imagine the headlines…) because he’s a hard throwing guy who has the mental toughness to get guys out in the 9th inning. I’d like to see a two year deal with an option for three. Who knows, maybe Zumaya or someone else will develop into a true closer by then.

It would be hard to get used to seeing him in anything other than a Cubs uniform, but I will get used to it much quicker if that D is on his chest come spring.

by handsomerob1 on Dec 8, 2008 12:28 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

I have one rule

when it comes to things like this. If they spend the money on Wood, don’t turn around and say we don’t have money to fill other needs. It looks like we are trying to compete next year (which is good) but I would rather give a guy like Hoffman a one year deal and see if Ryan Perry can be the guy in 2010. Of course, a Wood deal would give us more time to develop Perry. I like Wood so it would be nice to have him on board, I am just not sure why we would invest two years in him.

by tigerfaninChicago on Dec 9, 2008 4:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs