Cubs sign Kerry Wood

The Cubs have re-signed pitcher Kerry Wood to a one year deal worth 1.5 million dollars reuniting him with his original club after a two year hiatus. Wood finished the year with a 0.69 ERA with a 1.23 WHIP in 24 appearances with the Yankees, finishing the year with 3.13 ERA combined between the Indians and Yanks.

It is nice to see the Cubs bring back Wood. He did not necessarily want to leave in the first place, but had a good run with the Yankees and now joins a Cubs bullpen that is happy to have him back.

He will join Marshall and Marmol at the back end of the bullpen, which could give the Cubs a reason to try pitcher Andrew Cashner in the rotation. Cashner has the arm to burn hitters, and the Cubs converted him to a starter when they drafted him so you have to think that is what the Cubs still intend to do with him, even if they are not openly saying it. 

For Wood, it will be like he never left. Mike Quade was a coach and with the organization when Wood was with the team, along with new Cubs pitching coach Pat Listach. Wood's role, primarily as the seventh inning bridge to Marshall, is where he thrived with the Cubs and in a similar spot with the Yankees last season.

The White Sox did offer him a one year, 3.5 million dollar deal but he turned it down. Can't switch sides in that rivalry.