[bears9]

MESA, Ariz. -- Like Cub clockwork, the coronation of Kerry Wood as the team's closer no sooner got under way than Wood got waylaid by injury.

Maybe the back spasms that forced him to be scratched from Wednesday's game are no big deal. But because they belong to Wood, they are necessarily a big deal.

And whether they keep him out just two more days or another week, or return in the cold of April or never return, they've already put the Cubs' closer plans in doubt until at least the final week of camp.

Unless Wood's back pain lingers deep into next week, manager Lou Piniella seems intent on making him the closer. And Carlos Marmol's recent struggles -- including his worst outing of the spring Wednesday -- haven't suggested a persuasive alternative. Neither have the last three weeks of results from veteran Bob Howry, who has been outpitched by Wood and Marmol.

About the closer's job ... :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs

[Lefty Noob]

Yep. Today's the first day of spring, so I guess he was about due. Kerry Wood must be made of paper mache.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Yep. Today's the first day of spring, so I guess he was about due. Kerry Wood must be made of paper mache.

Not sure he ever over came the bad mechanics he had...he put too much torque on that arm as a youngester...

My bad who played a little minor league ball would never let me throw anything but fastballs as a kid and teen because he said the other pitches would screw up my arm as a kid.