Kerry Wood as a Pitcher?

The point of this blog is not to analyze player’s performance on the field, but Kerry Wood’s performance in yesterday’s Brewers / Cubs game was so poor (giving up 3 runs in the top of the 9th to lose the game 4-3) it has to be recognized. We have been through many incarnations of Kerry:

1998: Rookie Sensation – it’s amazing how a 20 strikeout performance in your 5th career start can carry you through a career.
1999: Out for season with Tommy John surgery
2000-2002: Averaged 28 starts per season, but nothing spectacular
2003: Supposedly “led” the Cubs to the NLCS, but pitched inconsistently throughout the regular season going 14-11.
2004-2007: Injuries plagued him
2008: He has blown 3 out of 7 save opportunities. The other two blown saves resulted in the Cubs eventually winning in extra innings.

Kerry’s career has been pretty average with the Cubs. Although he should not be removed from the closer role yet, he does need to prove he can close games without the suspense.

Because of Kerry’s performance, the Cubs are now 2-4 against the Milwaukee Brewers this season. I have been to all 6 games - 4 of which were weekday day games. A lot of work is involved in getting to weekday afternoon games. I wake up at 5 am, get to work around 6:30 am and leave around 12:30 pm. I finish up the day by working a couple of hours after the game. Some may say the effort is not worth it, but my favorite sporting event is the weekday afternoon event.