At first, the trade made today between the Indians and Cardinals seemed of little importance to the closer report. In contrary, it could actually have an impact with Chris Perez now the setup man and closer-in-waiting for Kerry Wood.

Right now Wood is in the first of a two year deal with the Indians. He has had a sub par season to say the least with only nine saves, a 5.46 ERA, and worst of all four blown saves. He has been erratic at times, inconsistent always. He hasn't had more then four saves in a row without blowing one.

Now enter Chris Perez, the young spitfire with tremendous skills and a closer mentality. He is without a doubt a future closer and it looks as though it will be for the Indians. In Cleveland they won't tinker with him as much as Duncan did and he should be able to bloom on his own. There certainly will not be pressure on him this season.

Now add to the mix that the Indians aren't winning and they are in fact giving up. Could they trade Wood by the deadline? Probably, if he is healthy and pitching well. Maybe they will trade him to Tampa Bay or another team that could use a late inning pitcher. Or the Indians could just end up allowing Perez to close and move Wood to another role.

Either way, this is a great move for Perez and you should keep a close eye on how he does in Cleveland and how this situation unfolds. Kerry Wood has been anything but stellar. His ERA is well above five, and his WHIP is at a disappointing 1.56. His major downfall and the reason he could lose the job is his walks. So far Wood has given up 16 free passes and he has a less than two K/BB ratio.

Perez has only been slightly better this season, but he has youth and the hope of improving, while Wood has age and a decline to look forward too. If you have room on your roster add Perez between now and the next two weeks.

It is a gamble, but one worth taking if you need a closer. Perez could flip a switch and be lights out come August.