Indians sign Kerry Wood to fill closer role

Kerry Wood signed a two year, $20.5 million dollar contract late Friday to become the Cleveland Indians new closer.  The contract also has an option year that would kick in if the 31 year old right hander can avoid significant missed time due to injury, a problem that has plagued him throughout his career. 

Wood has a career mark of 77-61 with a 3.65 ERA, all with the Chicago Cubs.  He performed well in his first season in the closer role, saving 34 games for the NL Central Division winners.  Wood reached a tentative agreement with the Indians over a week ago, but had to pass a physical before the deal was consummated. 

After the New York Mets signed their most recent closer, Francisco Rodriguez, the Indians began the search to fill the void left by his departure.  Team GM Mark Shapiro suggested that Wood was a perfect fit for the organization:

"The signing of Kerry Wood brings to the Cleveland Indians a powerful presence in the back of our bullpen and in our clubhouse. Kerry fills our need for a closer and fits our team's culture perfectly as he is a dominant talent and an outstanding teammate and person."

There’s never been any doubt about Wood’s talent and character—rather it is his ability to stay healthy that is the biggest concern surrounding him.  After a meteoric rise early in his career as one of the best fastball pitchers in the game, he struggled with injuries during the early part of the decade.  These included elbow problems, necessitating the so-called “Tommy John surgery”, as well as shoulder problems.  His health issues led the Cubs to negotiate a contract buyout after the 2006 season.  Wood accepted a move to the bullpen in 2007 and after spending some time in the minors appeared in 22 games for Chicago.

In 2008, he won the closer job and looked excellent—he converted 34 of 40 save opportunities and struck out 84 batters in 66 innings of work.  Perhaps his greatest accomplishment last year, however, was remaining injury free.  He was briefly on the disabled list for the 10th time in 12 seasons, but it was only due to a finger blister on his throwing hand.