"Cubs baseball president Theo Epstein confirmed Friday the process of re-signing Kerry Wood has begun.

Epstein met with Wood for a casual get-together last week on Wood's home turf in Lincoln Park. Wood made sure Epstein felt right at home, choosing a bar that caters to Boston sports fans.

"I'll leave the details confidential," Epstein said. "But Kerry Wood is a very important part of the Chicago Cubs and we want him back.

"He makes us a better team because of what he brings to the bullpen, and he makes us a better organization because of what he brings to the clubhouse, his leadership."

Epstein isn't quite as sure about moving forward with Carlos Zambrano, though he also met with him last week in Wrigleyville, where Epstein laid down some ground rules that would facilitate his return. If Zambrano doesn't follow the steps Epstein outlined, the Cubs will try to deal him.

Speaking to a group of reporters after his introductory news conference, new Cubs manager Dale Sveum conceded Zambrano is "out of strikes" with the Cubs.

How would he handle him?

"You sit down with Zambrano, face-to-face," Sveum said. "I don't know the guy. We all know that his nine strikes are up. And, talking to Theo, I think (Zambrano) realizes that. He knows he has to win back the respect of the players, as well as well as management.""