News on Daryle Ward and others
It’s time for an update on who the Cubs are keeping and who has been thanked for their services and shown the door. Daryle Ward and the Cubs mutually agreed to exercise his option for 2008 at $1.2 million. Ward was pretty reliable in 2007, batting .327 in 79 games. As a pinch-hitter, he hit .268 (11-for-41) with an additional 11 walks. I also think he was a great influence on the young guys sitting on the bench.
The Cubs cut ties with Cliff Floyd and Steve Trachsel, both of whom have filed for free agency. Jason Kendall also filed for free agency and I don’t think the Cubs will be bringing him back. In his September call-up, Soto more than showed he can handle big league pitchers, both at and behind the plate. Blanco will hopefully be healthy enough to be a good mentor and back-up.
Now on to the big question mark; Kerry Wood has also officially filed for free agency. He might test the waters but I really believe he’d like to stay a Cub. But if someone dangles the opportunity for him to go back to being a starter, he might jump at that. The most the Cubs would dangle is the chance to be the closer, if they decide to move Dempster to the starting rotation. I like Wood as a set-up man. Let him pitch one or two innings to set up Howry, Marmol or Dempster. I think he likes the pressure being off of him and now really feels like part of the bullpen.