MVN: Most Valuable Network

This past Wednesday, the Florida Marlins shipped former closer Kevin Gregg to the Chicago Cubs for a minor league pitcher.  The deal is certainly a minor one in many ways.  Gregg had lost his job as closer for the Marlins after saving 61 games in 2007 and 2008 through August.  He struggled mightily that month, blowing six saves before they finally pulled the plug.  So why is this move such a big deal to the Indians?

Kerry Wood is now available.

We all know the story of Kerry Wood. Ten years ago, Wood was one of those rarified prospects straight out of the 'April Fool's' edition of Sports Illustrated.  He had a country arm straight out of Texas that could throw lightning and make thunder.  That rookie season saw Wood strike out 20 in a game on his way to winning 13 games against only six losses.  He struck out 233 batters in only 166 2/3 innings.  It was nothing but up for Wood.

Over the next ten years, Wood would never quite reach his potential.  He never won more than 14 games in a season, and never could quite stay off the DL.  In fact, Wood has been on the DL 12 times throughout his 10 year career.  The injuries prompted the Cubs to move the oft-injured starter to the bullpen in 2007 so that he could pitch late in the season after missing nearly the whole year.  2008 was his 'breakout year' as a closer, as he saved 34 games in 66 1/3 innings, striking out 84 batters, while walking only 18.  Wood did blow six saves, but managed to stay healthy most of the year, other than a blister issue.

Will the Indians attempt to sign the righty to a deal?  There is no doubt that Mark Shapiro has been in contact with Wood and his agent.  At the same time, it's doubtful that the Indians will want to offer Wood the type of deal that he's likely asking for.  It's believed that Wood wanted to sign a four-year deal with the Cubs.  Wood stated that he would have stayed in Chicago for a one-year deal, but the Cubs still let him go. 

Cubs GM Jim Hendry stated that Wood should go out and sign a 3 or 4 year deal with another club.  It seems odd to me that the Cubs would let him go, even with Carlos Marmol and Jeff Samardzija in the wings as future closers.  I doubt very much that Wood goes out and signs a one or two year deal.  Someone will look at him for a bit longer, that's the nature of the beast.

The question remains on whether or not a guy like Brian Fuentes or Kerry Wood could command $10+ million, or whether or not they have overvalued themselves.  Of course, as I say that, the Yankees have shot the market into the stratosphere with the starters, so why wouldn't they, or another large market team do the same with these guys.  Injury issues may knock the price down a bit, but I don't see the Indians making a serious run at Wood.  He'd be a nice addition, but not at the presumed price.  I believe Wood made in the neighborhood of $4 1/2 million last year, but I've seen where a couple of scouts have said he may be the #2 closer available on the market, which should bump that up a bit.  If Fuentes is asking for 10+ million...well...we'll have to wait and see.

Of course, if his price comes down, the Tribes could become players again.

I also am going out on a limb in saying that Trevor Hoffman WILL NOT come to Cleveland.  I can't honestly believe that there are people that are worried about what he will do as a closer at the age of 41.  He's been a solid closer, and a solid clubhouse presence his entire career.  I know I joked about comparisons to Roberto Hernandez in an earlier article, but the reality is that this guy is a force.  He's got at least one more good year in the tank, and the Indians would be smart to sign the guy.

Why won't the Indians sign him?

I think he'll stay on the West Coast.  Look for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to go after Hoffman as a temporary replacement to FRod.  It makes a ton of sense for both sides.  I could also see a west coast national league team making an offer, and Hoffman staying.  He's a family-first guy, so expect him to honor that.  Think back to Matty Williams in 1998. 

Personally, this is the closer I'd sign.  The Indians are blessed with a ton of prospects who could close in the future.  Hoffman is the perfect bridge to that future.  That's not a knock on Jensen Lewis, but I do think there are better arms than his post 2009.

I'm officially beginning my "Tony Sipp for closer" in late 2009 and beyond campaign.  When the issue of future closer comes up, Adam Miller is consistently at the top of the list.  I get it, the kid has a fastball that is clocking in at 97 MPH, and he's just wicked.

Just to go against the grain, I'm beginning my campaign for Tony Sipp to become the closer as soon as he's ready.

Sipp is coming off Tommy John surgery in 2007, but has already shown enough command to let the Indians know that he's back to the pitcher that many had figured into the bullpen this year, not next.  Had he not had surgery, I often wonder if there would even be a question as to who the closer might be in Cleveland.

What does the kid have to offer?  He throws heat.  He tops off at 94 MPH (no, not 97, but still pretty good), but is most effective because of movement, not speed.  He has two plus pitches starting with his fastball.  His best pitch, however, is a wicked slider that is virtually untouchable.  He also has a pretty good changeup, which makes his pitches all the more devastating.

This year, Sipp pitched in 33 2/3 innings.  He struck out 46, and walked 11 batters and gave up 23 hits.  His last ten games in Akron were phenomenal.  In 10 games, he pitched 15 innings, gave up only one earned run, struck out 25 and walked only three batters.  He gave up only seven hits and an earned run, putting his ERA at 0.60 over those ten games.  He ended up with one save on the last day of the season.  Really, his only struggles this year came in his first few games with Akron.  Once he was acclimated, he was nearly unhittable.

Sipp has the experience, and once he gets a few more innings on his arm, he should be with the big league club.  Sipp will start at AAA Columbus this year, and should be in the majors sooner rather than later.

My bet is this kid will be pushing for the closer's role, unless the Indians go out and get a big name, before the year is out.  A lot will be made of Rafael Perez, Adam Miller and Jensen Lewis, but Sipp has the past credentials, and the stuff to back it up.  It's not that the other three don't, but I do think Sipp brings the complete package as far as make-up goes as well.

Regardless, the Indians certainly have options for the future.  I didn't even mention Jon Meloan or Jeff Stevens.  It appears as though the Tribe pen of the future has a bunch of bright young arms.

I just checked out Terry Pluto's column today, and he took the time to talk about the closer situation as well. Pluto makes the case for the Indians to sign Trevor Hoffman based on need, price and length of contract, comparing the deal to the one the Rays made with Troy Percival. Hoffman could be that type of guy for the bevy of Tribe-future-closers that I previously mentioned. He also mentions Adam Miller as a guy that could be the Indians' Kerry Wood. There's some merit to that.

I talked to a Dodger scout a few years ago, and he talked about how he would take a minor league stud starter as a closer any day of the week over a minor league relief pitcher. It was during the same time that the Dodgers moved Eric Gagne from the starting rotation in the minors, to the bullpen.

Wood also was injury prone, and I really get the feeling that Miller has that bug, whatever it is, that certain players seem to get.  I hope that's not the case.  Miller still hasn't turned 24 yet, so he could still turn into something special.  I don't care, at this point, if it's as a closer, set-up guy or water boy.  I want to see that kid in the major league dugout doing something to help the team.  Just don't supplant Tony Sipp, since I'm officially taking over as his campaign manager.

Pluto also mentions a rumor that's been going around about the Indians looking at free agent relievers Jeremy Affeldt and Juan Cruz.  He also throws in David Weathers for good measure.  You lost me on that one Terry.  I get it, his numbers were good over the years, but I have issue enough with a 41-year-old closer, let alone a 39-year-old reliever who can't close.  I just had shades of Jesse Orosco flash through my head.

Have a great week, and if you see Eric Plunk in your rearviewmirror...keep driving.