[JohnR]

We all know the story on Mr. Wood. WORLDS of potential, seemingly unfulfilled (to this point anyway). His many DL stints and nagging injuries overshadow his few moments of glory. He had a 20 K game in his rookie year, and when he finally DID stay healthy (for the most part), his team was a game away from the World Series as he essentially worked as a horse that year. Last year, more of the same. On again, off again season, ending with season ending shoulder surgery, to which it is noted that his recovery is going very well, though he PROBABLY won't be ready to begin the year in the rotation. And thats assuming no setbacks. When he did pitch last year, he was lights out as a short reliever, causing many in the fantasy world to rethink their long term outlook on him as possibly being destined for greatness as a closer. Is this his true calling? I don't believe HE thinks so. Rumors continue to fly high in Chicago and elsewhere of Wood's departure (Texas has been mentioned awhile back), and also of Prior's departure (BOS, OAK, BAL).

I'd really really really like to know how people feel about this guy now, because I myself still would hate to see all this potential wasted. I truly feel in the right situation he may flourish, though it won't happen under Baker most likely because even when he comes back from this latest surgery, there will be no easing him back in. Maybe closer is where he's destined, and I just have a hunch he'd be great in that role. One thing is certain, he no longer merits (for me anyway) a pick within the first 8 or 10 rounds of a 12 team mixed league. But he does represent the classic high risk/high reward scenario, and for that reason, and the right price, I'd still like to have him on my team if for no other reason than to keep him away from my rival owners.

This is honestly a tough projection for me because I just don't know what role he will be in or even for whom come April of 2006. My feeling is that throughout all this Prior hoopla, they end up keeping both he and Wood, give Wood a few starts upon returning and try to trade him (he's a FA at the end of next year I believe), though his FNTC may be a bit of a stumbling block getting him to try to waive it. I do not see him ending up 2006 in Cubbie Blue though.

37 G (18 Starts), 11 wins, 5 losses, 145 IP, 160 K, 55 BB, 4.01 ERA, 1.15 Whip

[joncarlos]

I think you hit the nail on the head - HE doesn't see himself as a closer. A trade away from Dusty would probably be the best thing for him - going to a team that could use a 6th starter to give him an extra day off once in a while, and keeping an eye on his pitch counts. I think Kerry would be a great closer but I also think that if he was used carefully, he would be a great starter for 140-160 innings a year.

Some year he is going to stay healthy again and contend for the Cy, but he won't be doing it on my team because someone else will believe in him more than I do.

30 G, 23 GS, 145 IP, 3.75/1.20, 130 Ks, 11-8, 2 saves

[Jon KK]

Originally Posted by JohnR

When he did pitch last year, he was lights out as a short reliever, causing many in the fantasy world to rethink their long term outlook on him as possibly being destined for greatness as a closer. Is this his true calling? I don't believe HE thinks so.... even when he comes back from this latest surgery, there will be no easing him back in.

Actually, there is some talk of him starting the season in the bullpen, to build up strength and endurance, then back into the rotation. It sure seems that would be the best way to start.

[Old Hoss]

Originally Posted by Jon KK

Actually, there is some talk of him starting the season in the bullpen, to build up strength and endurance, then back into the rotation. It sure seems that would be the best way to start.

That is actually a prudent way to start, not just the best way to go about it. Just the same, I wouldn't expect to see him in the bullpen beyond April unless he had a setback of some sort. With the money tossed around at Dempster, Howry and Eyre, the prolonged use of Wood out of the pen is an "embarrassment of riches". He'd have more value both to the Cubs or another team as a starting pitcher.

As for the fantasy numbers you guys are tossing around, I'd pay no more than $10 for them. I'm not even sure I'd go that high, but I'd feel comfortable risking a $6 - $8 bid on him. If I didn't get him, oh well. There are quite a few pitchers with less name brand recognition who would go cheaper and end up as good a bargain as Wood will, with less injury risk involved as well...

Hoss

[Pretty Go Pale]

Actually, this is a very easy projection, as one shouldn't project Kerry Wood, at all. In an auction? When his name comes up, don't bid. In a draft? Skip him every round. Let someone else take the risk. If you have a boner for the guy -- and he's staying healthy -- make a trade during the season. Othwerwise, wipe the guy off your lists and move on. It's WAY easy and the right thing to do.

Jerryl

[Baum Threat]

A great player to bring up in the auction for $1 early.

[Ryno84MVP]

Kerry Wood will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday to repair damage to a torn medial meniscus, the Cubs announced Friday.

General manager Jim Hendry called it a "minor" setback for the injury-plagued right-hander who currently is rehabbing his right shoulder after arthroscopic surgery last August. Though no timetable was given for his return, Wood was expected to be back from the shoulder problem in late April.

http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....home-headlines

[Jon KK]

From the Chicago Tribune this afternoon:

Kerry Wood will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Tuesday to repair damage to a torn medial meniscus, the Cubs announced Friday.

General manager Jim Hendry called it a "minor" setback for the injury-plagued right-hander who currently is rehabbing his right shoulder after arthroscopic surgery last August. Though no timetable was given for his return, Wood was expected to be back from the shoulder problem in late April.

[Jon KK]

Great minds post alike....

[Don Quixote]

In my local NL, I think I'll bring him up around the 10th round if he's not already gone. At that point, if I get stuck with him for a buck, so what; I'll just make sure I take someone healthy in the reserve draft to cover for him.

If I can't sneak him through, no big deal, I pretty much agree with Pretty Go Pale and Baum Threat.

[Pitbull]

His value is plummeting. Maybe some dumb roto owner might be willing to bid him up to $20 but right now he is a single digit value. He'll be out at least to May. I would however, if the bidding was low enough and I could stash him away for the first two months, gamble that way.