10 replies to this topic

[TB17]

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-c...ov=ap&type=lgns

CLEVELAND (AP) -- Kerry Wood's comeback has hit a snag. Maybe even a season-ending one for the Chicago Cubs right-hander.

Wood, who has made just four starts following shoulder surgery, said Wednesday that he's concerned that he might not be able to pitch again this year.

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"With each passing day, I get more and more doubts," Wood said. "But I have to keep going and try to get through this."

On Tuesday, Wood experienced fatigue during the late stages of a 70-pitch simulated game at Jacobs Field. It was a significant setback because the club had hoped to have him back for a start this weekend.

He's eligible to come off the 15-day disabled list on Thursday, but it now looks like that will be delayed and there's currently no timetable for him to throw again.

Wood said doctors have told him that his shoulder is structurally sound.

"They're pretty sure there isn't any damage," he said.

Following his latest throwing session, Wood said he still had discomfort in the shoulder, which was operated on last August. However, he's not sure why he's unable to throw more pitches without feeling tired.

"I have to figure out when I get to 65 or 70 pitches, it seems to shut down on me," a frustrated Wood said. "I felt great for 60 pitches but I got to that point, and today it doesn't feel too hot."

He had planned to throw on Thursday, but now he's hoping to get back on the mound by Sunday or Monday.

Wood would rather keep pitching and fight through the tiredness than give his shoulder more rest.

"Not pitching hasn't worked real well," he said. "I don't know what I'm going to do."

The Cubs had hoped to have him back for a start this weekend against Minnesota. But until Wood can comfortably throw more than 90 pitches, he will not be activated. That day now seems to be further off than anyone could have imagined.

And with the club holding a $13.5 million contract option on the 28-year-old Wood for next season, there's possibility he may have pitched his final game for the Cubs. Wood's deal includes a $3 million buyout.

Wood, who is 71-55 in his career, began the season on the DL. After being activated, he went 1-2 with a 4.12 ERA in four starts before going back on the injured list June 7. He was on the DL three times last season, the final time on Aug. 30, one day before his surgery.

[76clubs]

Maybe just move him to Closer?

[Azreous]

I was at work the night of one of my fantasy drafts, and Wood unfortunately ended up on my team. Wasn't a high pick, but still. The kid (who's not even a kid anymore, the saga's been going on so long) still has sick stuff, but three good outings a year doesn't translate into anything special.

[KowboyKoop]

Just cut the charade and put him in the bullpen for good. He says it himself that he usually feels good for 60 pitches and then after that he can't go anymore without pain/fatigue.....

..actually, just do this. Make Wood and Prior effectively ONE starter starting next year. Both can't stay healthy as starters worth a sh*t...so just start Wood one game, give him a 55-65 pitch count and then as soon as Wood starts to tire/struggle too much or he reaches the limit, bring in Prior.....and do the same, give him a 55-65 pitch count and take him out when he hits the limit or starts to tire/struggle...take him out. They both have stuff...but just aren't durable to throw 200 innings or even close to that anymore. Just make them one starter......you cut their innings down to 90-100 a year without ever stretching them out too much and you get to use both of their arms...since they still have stuff (I think). I think Kerry Prior would be an effective starter for the Cubs. Or Mark Wood...or Kerk Woior...or Marry Prood...whatever.

[Azreous]

Just cut the charade and put him in the bullpen for good. He says it himself that he usually feels good for 60 pitches and then after that he can't go anymore without pain/fatigue.....

..actually, just do this. Make Wood and Prior effectively ONE starter starting next year. Both can't stay healthy as starters worth a sh*t...so just start Wood one game, give him a 55-65 pitch count and then as soon as Wood starts to tire/struggle too much or he reaches the limit, bring in Prior.....and do the same, give him a 55-65 pitch count and take him out when he hits the limit or starts to tire/struggle...take him out. They both have stuff...but just aren't durable to throw 200 innings or even close to that anymore. Just make them one starter......you cut their innings down to 90-100 a year without ever stretching them out too much and you get to use both of their arms...since they still have stuff (I think). I think Kerry Prior would be an effective starter for the Cubs. Or Mark Wood...or Kerk Woior...or Marry Prood...whatever.

That might not be such a bad idea if it wouldn't end up costing the Cubs about $21 million for a two-headed, three-quarter-armed monster. But Wood does absolutely need to go to the pen, no doubt about it.

[wsox8]

Wow what a waste of money... Can the guy pitch with some pain in his arm? Pain will happen when you pitch. It's so funny how they always find a way to get hurt and I blame it 100% on themselves for being babies. But hey why do I care? I get to make fun of them all the time, so thank you.

[KowboyKoop]

That might not be such a bad idea if it wouldn't end up costing the Cubs about $21 million for a two-headed, three-quarter-armed monster. But Wood does absolutely need to go to the pen, no doubt about it.

Yeah, the price tag would be expensive...but that might be all they can get out of their money....and I can't see ANYONE trading for Wood....MAYBE Prior coudl still have some trade value...maybe. Just sad....but Dusty Baker does have the rep of ruining young arms. (Not accusing him...don't know what exactly his role in their arm problems is.....)

[Azreous]

Wow what a waste of money... Can the guy pitch with some pain in his arm? Pain will happen when you pitch. It's so funny how they always find a way to get hurt and I blame it 100% on themselves for being babies. But hey why do I care? I get to make fun of them all the time, so thank you.

It's a two-way street, though. You can't say it all falls on the pitchers when minor league managers and big league owners pull the cord on most young prospects before they cross the 80-pitch mark as they work their way up. People are so afraid of wearing down the next Prior or Wood that they're setting them up to have even more problems.

[KowboyKoop]

Isn't it a mechanics problem with Wood that caused all his problems to start. I could be wrong on that...

[aadams_22]

Wow what a waste of money... Can the guy pitch with some pain in his arm? Pain will happen when you pitch. It's so funny how they always find a way to get hurt and I blame it 100% on themselves for being babies. But hey why do I care? I get to make fun of them all the time, so thank you.

but pain shouldn't happen when you pitch, when there is pain there is a problem..whether an injury or a mechanics problem

Wood has played his last game as a Cub IMO. He has a $13.5 million option for next year and I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I say that the Cubs won't pick that up. They should have cut ties with him a few years ago.

[wsox8]

but pain shouldn't happen when you pitch, when there is pain there is a problem..whether an injury or a mechanics problem

Wood has played his last game as a Cub IMO. He has a $13.5 million option for next year and I don't think I'm going out on a limb when I say that the Cubs won't pick that up. They should have cut ties with him a few years ago.

Even when you are pitching you can get hurt and still pitch. Happened before and will continue to happen.. The two are definitely whiners and will have trouble ever finding a place to pitching with the way they are now.