"While Kerry Wood is expected to re-sign with the Cubs before their annual fan convention begins Friday, the drawn-out process and recent noise from Wood's camp suggesting he was prepared to sign elsewhere made the organization appear cold and unsentimental.

President Theo Epstein had ruled Ryne Sandberg out of the managerial process, and let assistant to the general manager Greg Maddux leave for a similar job in Texas.

Would Epstein reject a third Cubs' icon?

Doubtful. Epstein said at Wednesday's Cubs Caravan luncheon at Harry Caray's Kinzie Street restaurant it was a "no-brainer" to bring Wood back."