Cubs Closer: Kerry Wood

Kerry Wood was officially named closer of the Cubs entering 2008. 

Although this was widely speculated by many for the majority of the offseason, was it the right move by the Cubs?

I have backed Kerry Wood and stood in his corner throughout much of his injury riddled career.  This is not, however, a smart move by the Cubs, a team that is very close to being a legitimate World Series contender. 

Did I miss something or has Kerry Wood done absolutely nothing to deserve the closer role?

In his two seasons where he came out of the bullpen his numbers have been far from superb.  A 3.33 ERA last year was not at all bad but compare that to Carlos Marmol who put down an ERA and WHIP with numbers right at one.

Why not give the closer role to Carlos Marmol? 

The immediate response is that he is too young and a bad showing by Marmol in the closer role could potentially ruin his career. 

With that said, look at the last three World Series Champions. 

Last year Jonathan Papplebon (26) took the nation by storm as the Red Sox won their 2nd championship in 4 years.  Adam Wainwright (25) was lights out in 2006 while filling in for Jason Isringhausen during the Cardinals unprobable run to a World Series victory.  On the other side of town, Bobby Jenks was a meer 24-years-old when he helped the White Sox win their first World Title in eight and a half decades.

The Cubs are a team close to being a potential World Series Champ. 

Why not put your best team on the field, why not put the most deserving man in the closer role for 2008? 

Only time will tell, but I have extreme doubts that Kerry Wood will still be coming in during the ninth inning by the month of June.