Closing Thoughts

So the 3 man race for the closing spot for the Cubs continues. I have a feeling that Wood might end up with it. I don't agree with it though, because I feel that any closer needs the 3 C's and Kerry is lacking in all of them. Here is how it breaks down.
1. Consistency
You have got to be able to get ahead of hitters in the count. Kerry constantly gets behind and is forced into hitters counts. He is not the power pitcher that he once was and will not be able to overpower for that third strike. More on that later. Kerry goes deep in counts, particularly to 3-2, while that is o.k. for the closer you can't be putting runners on. In order to be a successful closer you must be able to get your first pitch as a strike. It allows you to go though your pitching arsenal causing batters to be on their heels and unsuspecting of what might come next. You will not get this with Kerry Wood.
2. Charisma
I will give Kerry this, he is one of the few pitchers in the league who will do anything to keep the plate. He will give you the bow tie to assert his dominance. But he's not the same guy that you wanted to have the ball when the game is on the line. He has lost some of the mystique and it will be hard to assert himself . He has been hurt so much he just looks happy to be out there and doesn't seem to trust his stuff anymore. To close you must be fearless and I can smell it on him (or it could be a wicked fart that I have been sitting on).
3. Closing Ability
Every closer needs an out-pitch. Kerry doesn't exactly have one. He has never been know for a brutal splitter, knee buckling curve ball or even a heart breaking change up. He was a power pitcher, but he needs to change his style a-la Maddux. He needs to learn to have pin point accuracy that allows him to put the ball where they can't hit it, instead of challenging hitters with his mediocre stuff. I think there are plenty of hitters who will now be able to catch up to a fastball up and in, that will make it go up and out.

What I really care about most are the top 10 songs that Kerry will come out of the bullpen to. Come on you know you have some to add.
1. It's Not Over -Daughtry
2. Walking in Memphis St. Louis -Marc Cohn
3. Don't Break My Heart Again -Pat Green
4. Free Fallin' - Tom Petty
5. Down in a Hole -Alice in Chains
6. Under Pressure -David Bowie
7. Best Imitation of Myself -Ben Folds
8. Everything is Broken -Kenny Wayne Shepherd
9. You Make Me Feel Like A Whore -Everclear
10. I walk the line (up) -Johnny Cash

Kerry closing in on closing role