Cleveland Indians Likely to Trade Kerry Wood

The Cleveland Indians came into 2009 looking forward to contending in the AL Central, if not playing deep into October. On paper, the roster looked to be poised to return to the type of success they had in 2007 when they were one game away from going to the World Series.

During the offseason the Indians made moves to bring in an additional power bat with Mark DeRosa, and an established closer at the back of the bullpen in Kerry Wood. These additions along with a strong core of Grady Sizemore, Victor Martinez, and 2008 Cy Young winner Cliff Lee had Cleveland hopeful as Spring Training got underway.

After an uneventful but productive spring, the Indians headed north to find a season loaded with struggles. According to MLB.com, a rough April left the Indians in the cellar of the AL Central with a record of 8-14. This, however, was as close as the Indians would be to the top of the division for the rest of the first half. Currently at the All-Star break, the Indians sit in last with a record of 35-54, 14 games behind division leading Detroit. During the rough stretch Cleveland also had to deal with the injury of Grady Sizemore, their leadoff hitter and the guy that really gets that lineup going. He went on the DL on May 31 according to MLB.com and missed a total of 15 days with inflammation in his left elbow.

With the team floundering at the bottom of the division, the Indians' front office decided that it was time to make some moves in order to free up some salary and get some good, young talent that will help the team rebuild. The first move of the season was made on June 27 when they sent infielder/outfielder Mark DeRosa to the St. Louis Cardinals in return for relief pitcher Chris Perez and a player to be named later, according to ESPN.com.

This was an interesting deal for the Indians because of who they got back in return. Perez was looked at in the Cardinals organization as a top line prospect that someday may have been the team's closer. If Perez carries those same expectations into Cleveland it is likely that current closer Kerry Wood would have to be moved in order to free up that spot. Wood is 32 years old and was signed to a three-year deal worth $31.5 million, according to Rotoworld.com. With the team out of contention and a new young pitcher in the bullpen, the Indians would like to move Wood and his large salary in order to gain cheaper prospects to build a competitive team in coming years.

The one issue holding up a trade is that right now there are not a lot of contending teams in need of a closer with that kind of money. The Marlins are in contention and their closer Matt Lindstrom is now on the DL, making them an option to pick up a closer. The team has tried to fill his vacancy by using a variety of different pitchers depending on the matchups late in games. However, with Lindstrom out until sometime in August, the Marlins would like to pick up a solid closer with experience in pressure situations. The problem with this deal is that Florida is not likely to pick up a pitcher with a bunch of money left on his contract. However, if the Marlins think this could be their year, they may go out for a pitcher they think can close the deal and make a run at a third world title for the franchise and then trade him again sometime in the future.

In any case, the Indians need to unload payroll and Wood is as expendable as anyone currently on the team. After already making a deal with St. Louis to unload some salary, look for the Indians to continue to look for suitors for Kerry Wood as the trade deadline quickly approaches.

"Regular Season Standings." MLB.com.

"Indians Place OF Grady Sizemore on 15-Day Disabled List." MLB.com.

"Indians trade IF DeRosa to Cardinals." ESPN.com.

"Kerry Wood." Rotoworld.com.