[bears9]

ST. LOUIS -- Has the Kerry Wood closer experiment run its course with three blown saves in his last four chances?

No way, said manager Lou Piniella, who stood by his closer the day after Wood blew a two-run lead in the ninth against Milwaukee.

''I've got confidence in Kerry,'' he said. ''Look, these things are going to happen. You don't want to see them happen. You don't like when they happen. That was a tough loss for us, real tough loss.

''Look, they happen. But Kerry's our closer, and that's the end of the story.''

'Kerry's our closer ... end of the story' :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs

[azrael492]

Do you think Lou is waiting on the inevitible injury to take the decision out of his hands

[Bryan88]

I have no problem with Kerry in that role, but I wouldn't mind seeing Marmol used in save situations as well. In my opinion, just use the player best fit to get the job done in that individual situation.

[Bryan88]

Lou is not happy

After loss, Lou loses it :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Cubs

A question focusing on whether Piniella thought about shifting slick-fielding center fielder Reed Johnson to left -- in place of fresh-off-the-disabled-list Alfonso Soriano -- when he inserted defensive sub Felix Pie in center during the eighth inning lit Piniella's short fuse.

''You're damn right I thought about it,'' Piniella said, his voice rising. ''You think I'm stupid or something? God ... darn it. Thought. All right. Thanks.''

End of news conference.

As Piniella stormed away, the profanities he contained while in front of the cameras came spilling out.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Bryan88

I have no problem with Kerry in that role, but I wouldn't mind seeing Marmol used in save situations as well. In my opinion, just use the player best fit to get the job done in that individual situation.

Here is my opinion on the matter, the game against the Brewers that Kerry Wood blew, I think they could've kept Marmol in there, he had sent down 6 straight batters, and he was on a role. I think Kerry Wood should still be the closer, but he better watch his back, Marmol is looking over his shoulder.

[azrael492]

Marmol deserves the closer role. He was almost unhittable last year. 96 k in just over 60 innings. He is starting off the year just as good. If Kerry loses the job, Marmol will step right in.