Educated Bet – The Science of Sports Betting

EducatedBet…Comeback Player of the Year!

Kerry Wood once struck out 20 batters. Now, he’ll finish off opponents.

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As expected, the Chicago Cubs made Wood their closer on Monday, and Jason Marquis got the nod as the fifth starter. Converted to a reliever last season to preserve his troublesome right arm and shoulder, the oft-injured Wood entered spring training in a three-way competition for closer after the Cubs moved Ryan Dempster to the rotation.

Manager Lou Piniella chose Wood over Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol because he values durability in his setup men and believes closing will put less stress on the right-hander’s arm. He allowed just one run over his last nine appearances and shut down the Chicago White Sox and San Diego Padres on Saturday and Sunday. By pitching three times in four days and on back-to-back afternoons, he eased any concerns the Cubs might have. I think that this is a perfect move for Wood and the Cubs.

Obviously he cannot be a starter, he does not have it in his arm any more. So becoming the closer is perfect he will pitch one inning two at the most, throw about 20-25 pitches a nite…(that would be a high pitch count for a closer) He will do fine and look for him to become the comeback player of the year this season.

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