Should The Mets Sign Kerry Wood?
By Mike Silva ~ November 14th, 2008. Filed under: Mike Silva.
No, not as their closer, but as a setup man? It appears that the Mets will have their pick of the closer market. If our information is correct here at NYBD then Francisco Rodriguez will be donning a Mets uniform in the near future. Regardless, the closer is just the beginning of what the Mets need. There were many games blown in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings last year. A lock down eighth inning is just as important as the closer. Joe Smith nor Pedro Feliciano can be relied upon to play that important role. With that being said, should the Mets look to create their own two headed bullpen monster? Signing Kerry Wood could accomplish just that.
With the acquisition of Kevin Gregg it appears the Cubs will say goodbye to Kerry Wood. Regardless of whom the Mets sign the possibility exist that your closer can sustain an injury. Last years bullpen became a rudderless ship when Wagner went down. Having your eighth inning setup also double as a closer would provide much needed insurance. This would allow Jerry Manuel the luxury of giving some lower pressure ninth innings to Wood, versus overworking the closer.
The concern is Wood asking for a four year contract. If you can get him down to two, with an option, you have to think about it. We heard Joe Demayo say that Omar might not want to spend big money in the bullpen, outside of the closer, but I believe you need two big time arms out there.
Wood might be the “in between answer” to Juan Cruz and trading for Huston Street. You could then use the resources neccessary to obtain Street to fill another need (Starting Pitching). Let the fun of the hot stove market begin!
