How come the Cubs hardly ever use Kerry Wood anymore?

Question

I know I know, he hasn't really had a lot of save opportunities. And he had a life threatening blister (lol) on his hand. But still. They could at least throw the guy in there for an inning or two every now and then to keep him fresh. I noticed that they've been using Samardzija a lot instead of Wood now. Do you think they are preparing Samardzija for the closer role or something?

Answer 1

They're saving him for later.

Answer 2

Because he is like the Cub fans that cheer him - a loser.

Answer 3

because he was injured  with a blister also he still not a 100% healthy

Answer 4

too many injures

Answer 5

injuries

Answer 6

No team risks putting their closer out in a game that is not a save situation. I guess the Cubs have been playing below 500 teams and have beat up on them. So if they have a 5 run lead why would they even risk putting Wood out there if it is not necessary. Lets say they do and he gets injured, now the Cubs look dumb for having Wood pitch a non save situation that caused an injury. Plus it allows for the rest of the pen to get more innings in and work on their problems.  

Answer 7

I think that they are just trying to give Samardzija some playing time for experience. There has not been many save situations in the past week anyway, so they probably don't want to waste Kerry's energy.  I don't think Jeff will be the closer yet. Kerry has done a pretty good job as the closer.

Answer 8

He is the closer nowadays, back when he and Prior were tearing it up in '03 they have both been riddled with injuries. This is the only chance Wood has to remain healthy, is to close out games.

Answer 9

Either the Cubs aren't playing enough save situation games or they been losing...but the Cubs want to keep his arm fresh. The Cubs wanted a "platoon" at the closers role with Samardzija, Wood and Marmol.

Answer 10

They want to keep him fresh and healthy for the postseason.  They also have a pretty comfortable lead and haven't had too many close games.  They'll use him when it matters.

Answer 11

Two words: Jeff Samardzija.

Answer 12

I would say too many injuries. Yea he was out for a while with a blister. I mean boo hoo i had 3 blisters on my hand and I still hit and pitched in my state playoffs. He was good, but he's too big of a pus now.

Answer 13

I'm assuming you're not a pitcher, or never had a blister before. If you have a blister on your throwing hand, you'll be playing through pain and won't be 100%. The Cubs can't afford to play a guy when he's not 100%.

Samardzija has a lot of talent, and the Cubs are going to utilize him as much as they can while they need him most.

Answer 14

Because the Cubs are never in any save opportunities

Because if u watch the cubs games they only put Kerry in if they are down by three runs or less

I doubt if Samardzija going to be the closer this year, maybe next year

Answer 15

They played him the other day when he beat Cinci 3-2.  That has been the only save oppurtunity for him in a while.

Answer 16

I think they've been doing a pretty good job of keeping him fresh.  Of his last seven appearances, only two were save opportunities, so they're giving him time where they can, while keeping in mind that he does have a tendency to break down (as a starter, yes, but why push him?)

He doesn't seem to be affected very much by long breaks - he's probably used to them, after all the time he's spent on the DL in his career.

As for Samardzija, maybe they're grooming him to be a closer, but it seems unlikely, as Marmol is going to be a fantastic closer - if you're grooming anyone, he seems the likeliest prospect.

Answer 17

They want to save him for save opportunities. Might as well let him rest his arm and prevent the blister from reappearing if there's no save opp. If it was earlier in the season, I'm sure they would throw him in there when say they're up by 4 or 5 like today to keep him fresh, but the playoffs are approaching very quickly and they want him healthy.

Answer 18

because they are amazing and they dont need him and they can save his arm (and his hand) from injury. I think they will keep him the closer for the rest of the year and into the world sereis.

Answer 19

hes a closer and a save situation has to be 3 runs or less they don't need him i like samadzija he is a stud for them a good set up man to get to the vet wood in the playoffs world series teams and prodiction

Cubs Angels and cubs win it in 5  

Answer 20

I've been wondering that myself.  Let's face it, his career has been a bust.  If it's not a blister ( and I loved your humor about life threatening), it's always something else.  You're so right about at least using the guy.  He needs to take of the skirt and rub some dirt on it and earn those millions he's being paid.