ESPN analyst thinks Kerry Wood perfect fit for D-backs
Jun 8, 2011, 3:24 AM | Updated: 4:51 am
PHOENIX – The Arizona Diamondbacks are believed to be in the market for a reliever that can lock down the seventh inning of games and protect a lead.
One ESPN analyst thinks Chicago Cubs’ Kerry Wood would be an excellent addition for the Diamondbacks.
“That would be a perfect fit there. It makes more than a little bit of sense,” said Tim Kurkjian on the Sports 620 KTAR’s Gambo and Ash show on Tuesday.
Arizona needs a reliable pitcher to turn to for the seventh inning to get the ball to David Hernandez and J.J. Putz in the eighth and ninth innings.
Aaron Heilman and Juan Gutierrez have been a disappointment this season and Sam Demel is hurt on the Disabled List.
Some believe that the Arizona native Wood is the player the D-backs are targeting.
Kurkjian believes it’s essential for the D-backs to land another quality reliever for the stretch run.
“The common denominator of every championship or playoff team from the last almost 30 years is a deep versatile bullpen and that’s precisely what Kerry Wood can help bring you,” said Kurkjian.
Kurkjian believes Arizona’s improved bullpen is the main reason for the team’s turnaround.
“With the way that they’ve improved their bullpen over the last year, that’s the biggest reason why they are where they are,” said Kurkjian.
Kurkjian points to Wood’s positive results after being acquired by the Yankees last season as proof the D-backs should look to make a move to acquire him.
“You get him out of Chicago, get him into a pennant situation, I think he would throw even better for the D-backs just because he would look around and say, ‘Hey, we got a chance to win here’,”said Kurkjian.
What we don’t know is what it would require to pry Wood away from Chicago, but let’s hope the team is at least taking the time to find out.
