Are the Indians looking to shop Kerry Wood?
If this is a rebuilding year, then we don’t really have much need for a $10 million closer. — Nathan H., Stevensville, Ontario Your assessment of Wood’s placement on this roster is a simply stated and accurate one, Nathan. But Wood’s probably not going anywhere this winter. There are too many closers available on the open market, thus diluting Wood’s already questionable trade value after his disappointing 2009 season. Furthermore, to trade Wood, the Indians would likely have to eat a decent-sized chunk of his $10.5 million contract, which pretty much defeats the purpose of trading him. Better to hold onto him, hope he shows more consistency, then dump him at July’s non-waiver Trade Deadline if the team is indeed out of contention. There is, however, one potential hiccup in that outlook. That pesky $11 million vesting option for 2011 that kicks in if Wood finishes 55 games in ’10. If he’s on pace to reach that provision, the Indians will be hard-pressed to move him. A year ago, Wood w
