Kerry Wood News: Pro Sports Daily

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September 20

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Kerry Wood looked around the Indians' nearly empty locker room after Saturday's 8-4 loss to Oakland. He spotted a reporter and said, "If you want a get an interview on this team, you'd better get it done fast." The Indians are doing two things in rapid-fire fashion these days - losing games and emptying locker rooms. Saturday's loss was the Tribe's seventh straight and eighth in the last nine games. The Indians, as recently as Aug. 29, were a respectable 23-17 since the All-Star break, but all that's been erased by a 3-15 record in September. In December, Wood signed a two-year, $20.5 million deal to be the Tribe's closer. It was the Indians' biggest free-agent splash in years and was ..."

Saves become a precious thing for little-used Kerry Wood

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August 23

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Kerry Wood is the closer who rarely closes. Not because he can't, but because the chances aren't there. Wood is 15-for-20 in save chances this season. Those aren't bad numbers for the first two months of the season, but they're not so good in late August. "The toughest thing for Kerry is that we haven't given him any consistent closing opportunities," said manager Eric Wedge. Entering Saturday night's game against Seattle, Wood hadn't had a save opportunity since Aug. 6. He pitched five times in that span, but they've all been in non-save situations. "It's been hit or miss," said Wood. At the All-Star break last year with the Cubs, Wood had 24 saves. It was his first full season at ..."

Kerry Wood returns to Chicago where injuries forced fans to wonder what might have been

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June 19

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"If Kerry Wood could rewrite the script, of course he would. He would have made 30-plus starts, pitched 200-plus innings and won 20 games year after year in helping the Cubs win multiple world championships. But Wood cannot rewrite the script. He must accept what transpired between 1998 and 2008 as is. Injuries, cold and unforgiving, dotted his tenure on the North Side of Chicago. They foiled what might have been a spectacular career but did not stop it from providing ample highlight-reel material. Wood still might come back to the Cubs to write another chapter, but for now, the bottom line reads like this: 276 games, 77 wins, 61 losses, 34 saves, 3.65 ERA, 1,219 1/3 innings, 947 hits, ..."

Kerry Wood shellacked in 6-5 loss

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May 20

Akron Beacon Journal

"The one guy the Indians could count on in the bullpen is closer Kerry Wood. Then again, maybe not. Wood was assigned the seemingly reasonable task of holding a 5-2 lead in the ninth inning tonight at Kauffman Stadium. Instead, he gave up four runs to deliver the Royals a 6-5 win. Wood retired the first batter of the inning on ground ball to the second baseman. But Mike Jacobs followed with a home run on a 3-and-2 pitch, and Mark Teahen went deep on the first pitch he saw from Wood. Miguel Olivo followed by drawing a walk and was replaced by a pinch runner, Mitch Maier. David DeJesus tripled him home to tie the score, and Willie Bloomquist's sacrifice fly scored DeJesus with the game ..."

DeRosa, Wood productive as Indians beat Cubs

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March 30

Chicago Tribune

"Former Cubs and new Indians Mark DeRosa and Kerry Wood made triumphant returns to HoHoKam Park on Sunday, earning loud ovations from the sellout crowd of 13,097. DeRosa homered twice off Ted Lilly and hit a 450-foot double off the batter's eye in center. Wood pitched a scoreless inning in relief. "I've been playing behind Ted Lilly for two years, so I've kind of got an idea of what he wants to do," DeRosa said. So was there a deal? "No deal," he replied. "I was just hoping he didn't put one in my ribs." Lilly said he challenged DeRosa every at-bat, including the second one in which DeRosa hit a two-run shot off the scoreboard. Did he consider a brushback afterward? "I definitely thought ..."

Cleveland Indians reliever Kerry Wood efficient in first action of spring training

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March 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"On May 1, 1991, Nolan Ryan threw a no-hitter against Toronto for the Texas Rangers. It was the seventh and final no-hitter of his career. In the bleachers that night at ramshackle Arlington Stadium, Kerry Wood watched the no-hitter. The Texas-born Wood was 14, Ryan 44. "I got in free," Wood said. "A grocery store was giving away tickets for the game." Wood is 31 and he always figured he'd be like Ryan or Roger Clemens, his two favorite pitchers growing up. Not throwing no-hitters necessarily -- Clemens never threw one -- but being a starting pitcher in the big leagues. "I didn't even know what relievers were back then," Wood said."

Wood: Back is nothing to worry about

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February 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Indians closer Kerry Wood said his sore lower back is a normal part of his spring trainings, that he will return to normal activity today and will throw a bullpen Friday. "It's nothing new for me," Wood said this morning. "Once a spring lately it's been doing that." The Indians signed Wood to a two-year, $20.5 million contract in December. Wood said coming to a new team and missing any time is "not the impression you want to make" but also said the length of spring training works in his favor. "We got a long spring," said Wood."If there's a silver lining it's that we got the extra week to do what we have to do to get it ready." Wood, who turns 32 in June, was 5-4 with a 3.26 ERA last ..."

Wood slowed by back pain

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February 26

Akron Beacon Journal

"Kerry Wood is down, but according to manager Eric Wedge, he is far from out. The Indians' new closer has been sidelined for a few days with back pain, but he is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Friday. ''Wood has a little bit of a sore back,'' Wedge said, after the Tribe opened the exhibition season Wednesday with a 10-7 loss to the San Francisco Giants. ''This is normal for him. It has happened in multiple springs. There is absolutely nothing to worry about.'' The Tribe signed Wood, who saved games for the first time with the Chicago Cubs last year, to a two-year, free-agent contract worth $21 million. Also sidelined is reliever Joe Smith, also obtained in the offseason. Smith is ..."

Cleveland Indians' Kerry Wood, Joe Smith sidelined

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February 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Kerry Wood and Joe Smith, the two relievers who were going to make the Indians' bullpen whole again, are hurting. Wood has a sore back and Smith has a viral infection. They have not thrown since last weekend and manager Eric Wedge doesn't know when they'll pitch in a Cactus League game. "He's had a little bit of a sore back," Wedge said, referring to Wood. "It works out fine for this part of camp. We've been slow-playing him a little bit." Wood stretched with the Indians on Wednesday morning and played catch. He's tentatively scheduled to throw a bullpen session Friday. The sore back is a concern because Wood has been on the disabled list 12 times in the past 11 years with the Chicago ..."

Sore back slows Cleveland Indians closer Kerry Wood

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February 26

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Is this just a spring-training sore back or the start of another Kerry Wood injury scenario? Manager Eric Wedge revealed Wednesday after the Indians' 10-7 loss to the Giants in their Cactus League opener at Goodyear Ballpark that Wood hasn't thrown since last weekend because of a sore back. Wood, who has been on the disabled list 12 times in the last 11 years, signed a two-year, $20.5 million contract in December. "He's had a little bit of a sore back," said Wedge. "It works out fine for this part of camp. We've been slow-playing him a little bit." Wednesday morning Wood stretched and played catch. He's tentatively scheduled to throw a bullpen Friday. Wood impressed the Indians so much ..."

Wood thanks fans in Chicago papers

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January 18

MLB.com

"Kerry Wood said thank you to Cubs fans and bid farewell on Sunday in full page advertisements in two Chicago newspapers. Wood spent his entire career with the Cubs since he was a first-round pick in the 1995 Draft but left via free agency this offseason and signed a two-year deal with the Cleveland Indians. He timed the ad to run during the winter fan fest, the Cubs Convention, which wraps up Sunday at the Chicago Hilton. "It has been an honor to have been a Chicago Cub for the last 13 years and to have played in the greatest ballpark, Wrigley Field," Wood said in the ad in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. "My deepest thanks go to my teammates and the Cubs organization for taking ..."

Tribe signs off on Wood's physical, finalize $20 million, two-year deal

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December 14

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians think shorter is better for Kerry Wood. They could be banking over $30 million on it. Wood was one of those once-in-a-lifetime starters. A 6-5 Texan in the mold of Nolan Ryan. He threw hard and struck out every batter in sight. On May 6, 1998, in just his fifth big-league start, Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros in a 2-0 victory. Unlike the Hall of Famer Ryan, Wood's right arm often wailed in protest. Until Saturday, Wood had gone through all his peaks and valleys -- 12 times on the disabled list in 10 years -- with the Chicago Cubs. Now he's the responsibility of the Indians to the tune of two years and $20.5 million with an $11 million option for 2011. Wood, 31, will make ..."

It's official: Kerry Wood is a Cleveland Indian

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December 13

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Kerry Wood is the Indians closer. Wood, 31, passed his physical Thursday in Cleveland and the Indians signed him to a two-year deal worth an estimated $20 million. The deal, which will be announced later today, includes an option for a third year that contains a vesting mechanism. The Indians and Wood, 34-for-40 in save situations last season for the Cubs, reached an agreement earlier this week at the winter meetings. The deal, however, was contingent on Wood passing a physical. Wood has a history of arm injuries, but none of the closers the Indians pursued this winter were risk free. Wood went 5-4 with a 3.25 ERA in 65 appearances last season. He struck out 84 and walked 18 in 66 1/3 ..."

Sabathia's noble standards, Wood a surprising fit for Tribe

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December 11

Cleveland Plain Dealer

columnist Bud Shaw

"The appropriately named Brian Cashman ran off to the Bay Area to throw a seventh year at Sabathia, at which time the big lefty had a revelation. He suddenly remembered that he really did love New York after all. "He's now excited about becoming a Yankee," a source told ESPN's Buster Olney. Amazing how these matters of the heart work. It was love at 161 millionth sight.So excited was Sabathia that three days before, he saw L.A. General Manager Ned Coletti in a hotel lobby in Vegas and said he wanted to play for the Dodgers. So excited that the Yankees' offer of six years and $140 million sat undisturbed for nearly a month until Cashman bumped it to $161 million. Friends of Sabathia let ..."

Indians, Kerry Wood agree on $20 million deal

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December 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"If Kerry Wood passes a physical today or Thursday in Cleveland, he'll be the Indians closer. The Indians have made Wood a two-year offer worth close to $20 million. The deal, contingent on Wood getting a clean bill of health, could include an option for a third year. Wood made $4.2 million last year. Indians GM Mark Shapiro would not comment when asked if Wood was Cleveland-bound for a physical, but did say, "We have obviously made progress, but it's not a done deal at this point." Wood, who saved 34 games last season for the Cubs, was also being pursued by the Tigers. A source said the Tigers were told Tuesday night that Wood was going to the Indians. The Indians met with Pat Rooney, ..."

GM Shapiro on Kerry Wood: Not a done deal at this point

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December 10

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Kerry Wood isn't the Cleveland Indians' closer yet. "We have obviously made progress," said GM Mark Shapiro, "but it's not a done deal at this point." The Indians have made Wood, 31, a two-year offer. It may include a vesting option for a third year. Wood, who saved 34 games for the Chicago Cubs last season, also was being pursued by the Tigers. A source said the Tigers were told Tuesday night that Wood was going to the Indians. The Indians met with Pat Rooney, Wood's agent, several times Monday and Tuesday at the meetings. If there is a deal, the Indians won't announce it until Wood passes a physical. He's had several major injuries in his career with the Cubs, but went 34-for-40 in save ..."

Former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood agrees to deal with Cleveland Indians

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December 10

Chicago Tribune

"With two teams to pick from in the American League Central, Kerry Wood appears to have rejected overtures from Detroit to take a deal with Cleveland. Wood's decision to sign with the Indians followed closely Francisco Rodriguez's agreement with the New York Mets. Rodriguez's three-year deal, which is expected to be announced after he passes a physical, narrowed down Wood's choices. The deal is believed to be two years with a vesting option for a third. Money terms remain unclear. Wood fills a hole Cleveland has had at the back of its bullpen since the breakdown of Joe Borowski, a former teammate of Wood's with the Cubs. It allows Jensen Lewis to remain in a set-up role. The Indians' ..."

Tribe, Kerry Wood's agent talk

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December 9

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"The Indians met twice with Pat Rooney, agent for closer Kerry Wood, as the winter meetings opened Monday at the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. Meanwhile, the Indians were preparing to fix their infield without the services of Casey Blake. Reportedly, Blake is close to signing a three-year deal with the Dodgers. The Indians traded Blake to Los Angeles in July for right-hander John Meloan and catcher Carlos Santana. The Indians have been looking for a closer since the end of last season. Wood, with a long history of injuries, was 34-for-40 in save situations with a 3.26 ERA in 65 games for the Chicago Cubs last season. It was his first season as a closer. The three other big-name closers on the ..."

Trade could come for closer J.J. Putz or signing Kerry Wood

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December 9

Detroit Free Press

"The Tigers addressed two of their biggest off-season needs Monday, and they did so at bargain prices. They traded for catcher Gerald Laird, who will earn roughly $3 million next season, and agreed to a one-year, $1-million contract with shortstop Adam Everett. That thrifty approach with the everyday lineup could result in bigger spending on the bullpen. The Tigers are known to have interest in signing free agent Kerry Wood or trading for Seattle Mariners closer J.J. Putz, the Trenton native and former University of Michigan right-hander. The New York Post reported this morning that the Mets are close to signing Francisco Rodriguez, who many believe will receive the richest contract of any ..."

Tigers target Putz, Wood for closer vacancy

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December 8

Detroit Free Press

"Now that the Tigers have acquired catcher Gerald Laird from Texas, they will be able to focus attention on perhaps their biggest off-season need: a closer. The team has shown interest in free agent Kerry Wood in recent days and had preliminary trade discussions with the Seattle Mariners about J.J. Putz. Both right-handers have been targeted by the New York Mets, so Detroit officials may need to move quickly in order to have their pick. Putz, 31, would certainly make for a compelling storyline if he were to become the Tigers' closer: He grew up in Trenton and pitched at the University of Michigan. More importantly, he's also shown the ability to be dominant in the late innings. Putz might ..."

Omar heads to Vegas for closer

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December 7

New York Post

"What has been a glacial offseason for the Mets should pick up speed at the Winter Meetings. GM Omar Minaya might not come back from Las Vegas with his pressing need for a closer resolved, but Minaya is likely to make headway before the meetings end Thursday. Minaya is expected to meet with the agents for free-agent closers Francisco Rodriguez, Brian Fuentes, Kerry Wood and Trevor Hoffman while in Las Vegas. He possibly will make offers to the first three, with the 41-year-old Hoffman serving as a stopgap candidate if none of the three jumps at the Mets' proposal. "I'm looking forward to talking to Omar [in Las Vegas] because New York's a good platform for Frankie and he would be a good fit ..."

Jocketty sees little chance of signing Wood

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December 3

Cincinnati Enquirer

"Reds manager Dusty Baker would like to have Kerry Wood play for his club in 2009, but general manager Walt Jocketty doesn't see it happening. "It would be tough with (Francisco) Cordero as our closer," Jocketty said. Baker called Wood, who pitched for him in Chicago, upon hearing the Cubs and Wood were parting ways. The Cubs declined to offer Wood arbitration on Monday. "I like Kerry. I like him a lot," Baker said. So when a reporter from the Chicago Tribune called and asked if Baker would like to have Wood pitching for him again, he gave an honest answer. "It's no big deal," Baker said. "He asked me a question. I ain't going to lie. I'd like to have (Kerry) but not as a closer. We've got ..."

Hendry slams the door shut on Wood era

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December 2

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs declined to offer salary arbitration to free-agent closer Kerry Wood on Monday night, closing the door on what appeared to be the last chance for Wood to return to the team in 2009. General manager Jim Hendry told Wood last month that the Cubs wouldn't compete with other teams on a multiyear, market-value contract that figured to be in the $10 million-per-year range, nor would they try to re-sign him for a comparable one-year deal, given payroll restraints and other priorities. By not offering Wood arbitration, the Cubs signaled a belief that Wood -- who made $7.7 million last season -- might accept and force them to make room for a possible eight-figure salary in a payroll with ..."

No arbitration means no more Cubs for Wood, Howry

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December 2

Chicago Tribune

"The Cubs declined to go to arbitration with their only Type A free agents, relievers Kerry Wood and Bob Howry, thus ending their tenures with the Cubs. It also means the Cubs will receive no compensation of draft choices when the two sign elsewhere. Some thought Wood might be offered arbitration, although it now appears the Cubs were ready all along to cut ties with their former Rookie of the Year and last season's closer. If the Cubs had offered arbitration and Wood had accepted, he would have returned for one more season at a salary to be determined by an independent arbitrator but probably in the $10 million range. As it is, Wood is free to explore the free-agent market and could ..."

Reds' Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again

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December 2

Chicago Tribune

columnist Fred Mitchell

"Kerry Wood answered the call from the bullpen last season for the Cubs, reinventing himself as a capable closer with 34 saves. Will he pick up the phone when Dusty Baker from division foe Cincinnati calls him? The Cubs decided to pass on offering Wood a multiyear deal to retain his services, so Baker says he plans to give Wood a call to check on his possible interest in signing with Cincinnati. "We have a closer already in [ Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years," Baker said Monday. "But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what's up." Baker ..."

Disappointed Wood: 'It was a great run'

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November 15

Chicago Sun-Times

"Kerry Wood may be moving on, but he may never stop looking back. The Cubs' former ace -- who went from overnight sensation in 1998 to an All-Star closer for the Cubs this past season -- called his departure from the only organization he has known ''bittersweet'' and said eventually he'd like to return to the Cubs in some capacity. Speaking publicly Friday for the first time since the team informed him it planned to cut ties, Wood praised general manager Jim Hendry for his honesty and said he knew through much of the season that this change of direction could be coming. ''It wasn't a big surprise. I don't think I would have been surprised either way,'' said Wood, who later suggested he ..."

A too-amicable divorce

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November 15

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood left the Cubs on a classy note Friday as he thanked general manager Jim Hendry for his honesty and suggested the closer's job was in good hands with Carlos Marmol. But the nagging question for Cubs fans remained unanswered: Why did Wood have to leave? The Cubs told Wood he should pursue a lucrative three- or four-year deal for his own best interests, though Wood said he would have accepted a one-year deal. "That was an avenue we kind of approached," he said. "But they have some issues they have to take care of, and at the end I wasn't as important as a lot of other aspects of the team. Marmol, we all know what he's capable of doing." Asked Thursday whether Wood had told the Cubs ..."

Kerry Wood deserves chance to close with bang

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November 14

Chicago Tribune

columnist Rick Morrissey

"There shouldn't be any hard feelings on either side, not if people are using their heads. Even if people are using their hearts, which would make sense when it comes to Kerry Wood, there shouldn't be any hard feelings. The Cubs all but said goodbye to their closer Thursday, announcing they wouldn't give him a multiyear contract and wishing him well in his free agency endeavors. He's about to become a much richer man. It's too bad the Cubs' portion of his career is ending, but the bigger point—the better point—is that his career is continuing. There was a time, a very long time, when it would have been hard to convince anyone that Wood's career had anything resembling a future. So no hard ..."

Cubs make sound baseball move

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November 14

Chicago Tribune

columnist Phil Rogers

"Kerry Wood is leaving, and just like old friends Mark Grace and the late Rod Beck, he still doesn't know what it's like to celebrate a trip to the World Series with the Cubs. It's a shame, but it's not a surprise. The surprise — to me, anyway — is the Cubs didn't get Ryan Dempster signed to a contract extension Thursday when their exclusive signing period ended. That means he hits the open market Friday, which greatly increases the chances he'll leave. Don't be surprised if the Cubs strike quickly either to finalize a Jake Peavy trade or sign another of the eligible free-agent starters. Although if Lou Piniella gets his wish, they will take Dempster's money and sign Bobby Abreu or Raul ..."

'Good citizen's' spot in Cubs' lore secure

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November 14

Chicago Tribune

"It might have been the most difficult call of his career, but Jim Hendry's decision Thursday to let Kerry Wood leave the Cubs to seek a better deal elsewhere was made with his head, not his heart. After acquiring Florida reliever Kevin Gregg for Double-A pitcher Jose Ceda, Hendry reluctantly announced the club would not try to re-sign Wood, who is seeking a multiyear contract. "Honestly, we feel for his own good, and for the good of him and his family, there is going to be a longer and more lucrative deal somewhere else than there would be here now," Hendry said. "And it would be unfair to keep it dangling for another month or so and say, 'Let's see where the ownership situation is going, ..."

Kerrying on without Wood

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November 14

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs closed one era as they prepared to open the make-or-break part of their offseason work, cutting ties with Wrigley Field icon Kerry Wood on the eve of the open free-agency period. With Wood expected to command a multiyear contract worth $10 million or more annually as a free agent, general manager Jim Hendry met with the All-Star closer this week to discuss the club's intentions. Hendry then completed a trade Thursday that landed Florida Marlins closer Kevin Gregg for hard-throwing pitching prospect Jose Ceda. ''We all feel Kerry is deserving of a three- or four-year, long-term contract,'' said Hendry, who has an especially close relationship with the longest-tenured Cub. ''We're ..."

Wood first since '45 to play on four Cubs playoff teams

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September 30

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs haven't buried the curses yet or even gotten to that first World Series since 1945, but Kerry Wood has accomplished a 63-year first for the franchise just by helping this team get to the postseason. He's the first to play on four Cubs postseason teams since third baseman Stan Hack, who was on the 1932, '35, '38 and '45 pennant winners. In fact, since the Tinkers-to-Evers-to-Chance and Three Finger Brown crew 100 years ago, only three Cubs had accomplished that before Wood: pitcher Charley Root and catcher Gabby Hartnett (teammates in '29, '32, '35 and '38) and Hack. ''I was just talking to Daryle Ward about that,'' Wood said Sunday in Milwaukee. ''This is the fourth time, so 40 ..."

Wood a constant presence on Cubs' playoff teams

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September 29

Chicago Tribune

"After the 2007 season ended and Kerry Wood became a free agent, he told general manager Jim Hendry to give him a contract he felt was fair and he'd sign it without a second thought. Wood wound up agreeing to a one-year deal for $4.2 million and incentives, taking much less than his market value so he could try to help the Cubs get to the World Series. After moving into the closer's role, Wood is back in the postseason for the fourth time in his 11 seasons with the Cubs and will play a vital role this October in their quest to end a 100-year drought. "I was just talking to Daryle Ward about that," Wood said. "Fourth time in. Forty percent of my career I can say I pitched in the postseason. ..."

Wood gets final out, game ball from Edmonds

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September 21

Chicago Tribune

"When Jim Edmonds clenched his glove around the clinching out, he immediately headed toward the developing scrum behind the Wrigley Field pitching mound to make a special delivery of the ball. "I gave it to Kerry," Edmonds said. "I wanted to keep it, but he deserved it. He has been here a long time, and he deserves that ball." Nobody has been a Cub longer than Kerry Wood, from pitching in the National League Division Series as a rookie in 1998 to winning two games in the 2003 NLDS to appearing in two playoff games last year. From phenom to dominating starter to injured flameout to All-Star reliever, Wood — fittingly — was on the mound for the final out in a 5-4 victory over the Cardinals ..."

Blown save riles Wood

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September 8

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood lost his second straight game Sunday and said he felt a "little rusty" after not pitching since five days ago against Houston. Wood allowed three runs on three hits and two walks in the ninth against the Reds. "I felt like I had good stuff, but I wasn't locating the ball as well as I wanted to," Wood said after blowing his sixth save. "I made some good pitches, and on the last ball, [ Jolbert Cabrera] didn't hit it too hard. Got a good bounce and worked out for them." Wood screamed at a celebrating Cabrera afterward before leaving the field. "I was just upset to lose that game," Wood said. "He enjoyed it a lot. It'll be all right." Sunday's starter, Sean Marshall, saw a victory ..."

Wood blows lead in Cubs' 4-3 loss

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September 8

Chicago Tribune

"For those who believe in such things, the reason Ronny Cedeno went from hero to goat Sunday might have been that infamous billy goat's footprint changing the direction of a high-hopping ball near second base. Even for those who don't believe the Cubs are eternally doomed, Sunday would give them pause. After losing seven of eight games, including Sunday's 4-3 stinker to the Reds, it is understandable that the mentality has evolved into a sky-is-falling September swoon. Can anyone put things in perspective? If manager Lou Piniella could, he certainly didn't try Sunday. He refused to meet with the media for the first time this season. So it was up to team elder Derrek Lee to assess the mood. ..."

Closer Wood says he can handle the workload

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August 30

Chicago Tribune

"It was another first in Kerry Wood's second life as a baseball player. Thursday he finished his fourth straight game, which shows he has recovered from blisters and can handle the workload that may be demanded of a closer in the postseason. "After batting practice and playing catch [Thursday], I told [pitching coach Larry Rothschild] that I feel great," Wood said. "I said, 'I'm going to be available, my arm feels great.' " The converted starter had pitched three straight days three other times, the most recent June 13-15 before the blister. He had allowed no runs in two of those three-game stretches and one run in the other. In his first four-game test, Wood had three scoreless innings and ..."

Kerry Wood might not be used as closer just yet

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August 13

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood is ready to move back into the closer's role, but he may have to wait one more game before the Cubs give him that opportunity. Manager Lou Piniella and pitching coach Larry Rothschild huddled Monday to discuss their plans for Wood, who has pitched only twice since suffering his blister injury July 11. "We're going to give him one more 'tightener,' " Piniella said. "He didn't throw too many breaking balls [Sunday]. Kerry basically feels he's ready, and you know what, he probably is. But I think we give him one more tightener, and then we move him back into the closer's role." But that was before Tuesday's game was rained out. The Cubs will play a day-night doubleheader Wednesday ..."

Wood, misfortune still go together

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August 10

Chicago Tribune

columnist Rick Morrissey

"It's not a big deal, Kerry Wood said. Only back spasms. "Same thing I've dealt with my whole career," he said. "Actually, a lot of guys have them." But a lot of guys aren't Kerry Wood. And a lot of guys aren't as important to the Cubs' future success. The back spasms stopped Wood from pitching Friday, and caution stopped manager Lou Piniella from pitching him Saturday against the Cardinals. If Wood sneezes, someone somewhere reflexively orders X-rays. So the news of Wood's back pain has been cause for a red alert among the media and fans. Understandable, given his history. But more important than that ongoing story line is the fact the Cubs really, really need him. Although Jeff Samardzija ..."

Painful back latest ailment for Wood

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August 9

Chicago Tribune

"Kerry Wood's long-awaited return from his slow-healing blister lasted all of one game before he was sidelined once again Friday with lower back soreness. Manager Lou Piniella was reluctant to address Wood's latest problem during his postgame news conference, adding to the mystery surrounding Wood's health. Wood pitched one inning Tuesday against Houston, and had his charity bowling tournament Wednesday. But he wasn't in the bullpen during Friday's 11-inning affair, leading to the question of whether he was available to pitch "No, he wasn't available," Piniella said. Is Wood OK? "He wasn't available," Piniella repeated. "He was OK, but he wasn't available." After stonewalling the question ..."

Wood activated, Eyre let go

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August 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs activated Kerry Wood and delegated Scott Eyre for assignment. Wood hasn't pitched since July 11 as he suffered a blister on his index finger. Manager Lou Piniella said Wood will pitch at least once in a middle-relief role before returning as a closer. Eyre fell out of favor with Piniella almost as soon as he became manager by struggling early last season. "I don't think Lou ever got over that," said a visibly shaken Eyre. "I did that to myself. "I enjoyed my time here in Chicago. The hardest part was saying goodbye to my teammates." Eyre cleared waivers and the Cubs have seven days to try to trade him for a prospect, but the Cubs will be on the hook for his salary."

Wood's return hinges on move

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August 5

Chicago Sun-Times

"The Cubs plan to activate pitcher Kerry Wood from the disabled list today or Wednesday, and he'll pitch at least once in middle relief as a tune-up before returning to the closer role, manager Lou Piniella said. The million-dollar question now becomes whom the Cubs will pay $1 million to take left-hander Scott Eyre in a waiver trade for a prospect -- the Boston Red Sox or Tampa Bay Rays, or even the Philadelphia Phillies or New York Yankees? Or will they be forced to make an in-house roster move they don't want to make, such as optioning left-hander Sean Marshall to Class AAA Iowa? The decision on a corresponding move is the variable in the timeline for activating Wood, whose healed index ..."

Wood could rejoin pen Tuesday

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August 5

Chicago Tribune

"On Monday morning, Kerry Wood took to the radio airwaves to lobby for his return from blister issues in that night's series opener against Houston. On Monday afternoon, Wood took the case out of the court of public opinion and presented it to the one judge that ultimately matters: Lou Piniella. Verdict? Motion denied. "I tried," Wood said. "It didn't work too well." The Cubs closer, however, is expected to be paroled from the disabled list on Tuesday, certainly no later than Wednesday. Though when he does return, Wood will not do so as the closer, at least not immediately. Piniella said Wood will make at least one middle relief appearance — a "tuneup," he said — to make sure there are no ..."

Wood might be back this weekend vs. Cards

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August 4

Chicago Sun-Times

"Kerry Wood could be back for the weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals. A key will be how Wood feels today after throwing a simulated game Sunday, his second over the last four days. Wood threw 30 pitches as bullpen catchers Corey Miller and Edgar Tovar batted. Miller nearly hit one of the first pitches into the seats. But Wood improved as he threw, while an audience, including manager Lou Piniella, pitching coach Larry Rothschild, trainer Mark O'Neal, bench coach Alan Trammell and assistant general manager Randy Bush, watched. ''He felt OK,'' Piniella said. ''He looked a little rusty, but that's to be expected.'' Wood has been idle since before the All-Star break because of the ..."

Wood watch

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August 4

Chicago Tribune

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"Kerry Wood threw 30 pitches without pain in a simulated game Sunday and should be ready to return in a few days. Piniella pointed to Friday's opener of the St. Louis series at Wrigley Field, though Wood would like to return in the upcoming Houston series. Wood threw without the padding that had been protecting a blister on his right index finger. Piniella said Wood had problems with his breaking ball, "but then it started getting a little more consistent when he finished up." "But forget all of that," Piniella said. "What's important is how it feels [Monday]. If it feels fine, we can step it up and get him ready to pitch.""

After simulated game, Wood progressing

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August 1

Chicago Sun-Times

"A day after the Cubs scrapped a plan for Kerry Wood to throw a simulated game, the injured closer threw one Thursday before the game against the Brewers. Wearing a protective pad on his tender index finger, Wood threw 22 pitches, then told reporters he felt fine and is expected to try to play catch today without the pad. If that goes reasonably well, it could be the clearing of a major hurdle for Wood, who hasn't pitched since July 11 because of a blister. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild said Wood might throw from a mound again this weekend, but whether he tries to do that with a naked finger will depend a lot on how today goes. ''It's not a blister anymore,'' said Wood, who threw all of ..."

Ben Sheets defends Kerry Wood: Blister is a 'big deal'

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August 1

Chicago Tribune

"Lou Piniella said he hopes Kerry Wood can return to the Cubs in a week or so after Wood threw a 26-pitch simulated game with protective padding on his right index finger. Pitching coach Larry Rothschild declined to give a timetable but said Wood is progressing and took a big step Thursday. Asked how long he would be out, Wood replied: "I don't know. It was wrapped up today so I didn't feel anything. We'll probably try to throw without [the padding] tomorrow and see how it feels." Wood said he was "beyond antsy" to return and still can't understand why the skin under the blister is taking so long to heal. "This is the darndest thing I've ever seen as far as [a skin problem]," he said. "I ..."

Blister bumps Cubs' Wood from simulated game

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July 31

Chicago Tribune

"Frustration over the slow healing of Kerry Wood's blister is getting to Cubs manager Lou Piniella, who is tired of talking about the injury. Wood skipped a simulated game Wednesday when the Cubs decided it wasn't worth the risk because he's nowhere close to returning. So when will Wood be back? "I don't have any idea," Piniella said. "When I say 'not close,' it's not imminently close." The Cubs expect Wood back, but the longer he goes without pitching, the more he'll have to work to regain his arm strength. That could mean a rehab stint in the minors. Piniella declined to speculate on what the Cubs would do when Wood is ready. Piniella said he talks to trainer Mark O'Neal every day but had ..."

Wood not near ready to return

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July 29

Daily Herald

"Cubs manager Lou Piniella gave a two-word answer Monday when asked if rookie Jeff Samardzija was in the mix to close games during Kerry Wood's absence, which looks like it will linger. "Why not?" Piniella said. Although Samardzija was not available to pitch Monday after recording a 2-inning save Sunday, Piniella said he has a three-man closer committee of Samardzija, Carlos Marmol and Bob Howry. The news on Wood doesn't seem to be getting any better. He threw Monday afternoon but did so with a protective pad on his right index finger, which has a blister on it. Wood is eligible to come off the disabled list today, but that won't happen. It probably won't happen for at least another several ..."