Cubs Name Kerry Wood Closer - Fantasy Impact

In a surprise move that seemed like a pipe dream a few weeks ago, Kerry Wood has been named the closer for the 2008 season. Wood proved that he was healthy enough in spring training to be trusted with the job, and has showed the dominant stuff that once made him an elite starter does translate well to the bullpen.

Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol will both have the same jobs they did last season, as the top set up men to the closer. Howry and Marmol, didn't do anything to lose the job, except show Lou Piniella that they were more valuable to the team as durable set up, who can enter the game in a variety of situations. Wood as a closer, would only be used in save situations when the team has the lead, and wouldn't collect the amount of innings he would as a set up man.

FANTASY IMPACT

We had picked Bob Howry to be named closer and we were dead wrong. Our bad. Go out and draft Wood as the closer, and if you already drafted see if he is available in you league as a Free Agent.

Wood should be good for 35+ saves on a tough Cubs team that should be in a lot of close games. As a precaution, try to handcuff Wood with Howry or Marmol, in case Wood goes down with an injury at some point in the season. At this point in his career, with his medical history an injury to Wood is more when than if he gets hurt.