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Piniella names Wood as Cubs closer, Marquis as fifth starter
MESA, Ariz. -- As a starter, Kerry Wood once struck out 20 batters in a game. Now, he'll finish off opponents.
As expected, the Chicago Cubs made Wood their closer on Monday, and Jason Marquis got the nod as the fifth starter.
"I appreciate the fact that I've been given another chance to get out there and play the game I love," Wood said. "I'm going to take full advantage of it."
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 set-up men and believes closing will put less stress on the right-hander's arm.
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Full story.
This is a smart move, in so far as it keeps the pressure off of Carlos Marmol, who many felt would end up as the closer at the start of the season. However, I feel that Howry would've have been the better move, given his success closing out games, as well as his consistent history.
Still, I'm sure Wood has the stuff to close, it's just a matter of him staying healthy throughout the year.
Wood Named Closer, Marquis Fifth Starter
Wood Named Closer, Marquis Fifth Starter
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