BD Hot Stove: Maybe You Can Go Home Again | Baseball Digest

Kerry Wood looks to join Cliff Lee and Rich Harden in returning to a former employer.

Red Sox sign Bobby Jenks.

BD Hot Stove: Maybe You Can Go Home Again | Baseball Digest

Good Things Happen To Those Who Don't Watch

I admit it. I shut off the TV last night when the 6th Texas run crossed home plate last night. Down 6-1 against Cliff Lee there was no way the Yankees were coming back.

Only they did.

Now while I messed around on Facebook and played Spider Spolitaire and considered going to bed early, I also kept checking the score on Yahoo Sports.

A wild pitch, a Lance Berkman ribbie double. Brett Gardner finally gets a hit..hmm, 6-4.

Resisting urge to turn the game back on; they're doing fine without me.

Marcus Thames homers off Frank Francisco in the 8th to cut the lead to 6-5. Will NOT put the game on.

The game is tied and two are on...CLICK...we now return you to your normal programming day. Just in time to see Marcus Thames single through the left side to put the Yankees on top 7-6.

But this isn't over yet. Elvus Andrus triples off Mariano Rivera to start the bottom of the 9th. Perhaps I should have left the game off.

But Mo would make Houdini proud.

Michael Young bloops one to right for a sure game tying single. But wait. Austin Kearns shoe top catch saves the day for a moment. Even Mo said "Oh God" to himself when Kearns caught it.

Next Mo gets the league's leading hitter Josh Hamilton to hit a comebacker for the 2nd out. That leaves it up to the dangerous Nelson Cruz, but the big outfielder grounds out to A-Rod. Yankees win. THeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Yankees win!

Notes

Kerry Wood picked up his first win as a Yankee. Though he's walked too many hitters, he's allowed just one earned run and struck out nine in six innings pitched.

Jorge Posada was back behind the dish after sitting out all of Tuesday's game with a sore shoulder.

George King of the NY Post reported that Andy Pettitte was scratched from a simulated start today. No reason was given.

Curtis Granderson has had his swing revamped by Kevin Long in hopes of turning his season around. Granderson will unveil the new look tonight in Kansas City.

Javier Vazquez's last three starts have not been good - 6.1 - 5.1 - 4.1 innings pitched. He's allowed 13 earned runs in the 15 innings with 22 hits and 7 walks.

Yankees Add Wood to the Pen

Shave off that beard Kerry Wood, you're going to New York. Well Tampa Bay for now.

The Yankees have added to their bullpen depth with the acquisition of Kerry Wood from the Cleveland Indians for a player to be named later and some cash.

Wood has struggled with injuries and effectiveness, but will immediately become the Yankees 8th inning set up guy. That leaves Joba Chamberlain, David Robertson, and everyone else for the remaining innings.

Sergio Mitre, Chad Gaudin, or Chan Ho Park figures to be kicked to the curb to make room on the roster.

10-4 Does Not Mean Over and Out

Give me 10 runs and the ace of the pitching staff and I'll get a win 99 out of 100 times. Unfortunately for the Yankees, today was that one time when everything went from all good to all bad in a hurry. Leading 10-4, the Yankees bullpen imploded and the Cleveland Indians pulled out a 13-11 victory before a stunned Yankee Stadium crowd.

The crowd had already had already gone silent earlier in the game with Alex Rodriguez smoked a line drive off the left side of Indians pitcher David Huff's head. Huff lay motionless for several minutes before he was placed on a back board and carted off the field. He gave a thumbs to the YS crowd as they gave him a standing ovation. Huff apparently never loss consciousness and was taken to the hospital for an MRI. The results were good, but Huff was being kept for observation.

Yankees starting pitcher and ace CC Sabathia (6 IP, 5 ER) had his second rough outing in three starts, but departed the game with a 10-5 lead. That's when the wheels came off. Back muscles too. David Robertson replaced Sabathia to start the 7th and hit Trevor Crowe to start the inning. Three batters later and the lead cut to 10-6, Robertson threw ball one to Jhonny Peralta and grabbed his back. Enter the Joe Girardi merry-go-round.

Sergio Mitre came on and despite having as much warm up as needed, proceeded to walk Peralta. That was apparently enough for Girardi, who sent for Damaso Marte to face lefty pinch-hitter Russell Branyan. That was the only move that worked as Marte retired Branyan for the second out of the inning. Signal to Joba Chamberlain. Signal end of lead.

To put it mildly, Chamberlain was awful. He gave up an RBI single to Mark Grudzielanek, walked Matt LaPorta, surrendered back to back 2-run doubles to Lou Marson and Jason Donald, and a come full circle, RBI single to Crowe. Seven runs and 12-10 deficit.

Just to show he's consistent, Chad Gaudin gave up a long ball to Branyan in the 9th. It was the second home run in as many games for Go-away. I mean Gaudin.

Needless the Yankees fandom was furious. Yours truly included. And while Joe Girardi isn't the guy throwing the pitches, he is the guy mixing and matching too much.

Remember when relievers faced right and lefty hitters? When a guy wasn't the "7th inning guy" or the "8th inning guy". Other than the long man and the closer there is no reason for any reliever to have a specific inning assignment.

Twitter was atwitter with frustrated tweets galore during the debacle and after. I for one was upset that Girardi yanked Mitre after one batter. One follower said he's not used to pitching on consecutive days. If that's the case then why was he the one brought in? While no fan of Gaudin, he is used to pitch consecutive games, so Girardi could have opted for him first.

Chamberlain on the other hand, has some major issues going on. He's been scored upon in three of his last five games (5 IP 10 ER) and has been hit extremely hard. There is a genuine overreaction towards his outings, good or bad, based on his 2007 work. Some were saying he would better off working on things in the minors. While far from perfect, he had a 2.16 ERA prior to those five games. And while a reliever's ERA can be misleading, Chamberlain had been decent.

Brian Cashman needs to work the phones for sure though. This is much of the same pen that won a title last year, but that was because Phil Hughes was added and David Robertson emerged.

Chan Ho Park is garbage. I can't say that enough times. One good year in the NL does not make a solid AL reliever. Mitre and Gaudin are mediocre. Marte is downright scary. Even Mariano isn't as reliable these days, but I do believe that is a physical issue that is not completely healed. Mariano is the man and will still go out there whether his cutter is biting or not.

Throw it all away and come back tomorrow and win..especially since we will be there.

Notes

Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano continued their torrid streaks. Though Swisher, representing the tying run, struck out to the end the game, he had three more hits, a walk, a ribbie and two runs scored.

Cano was 3-4 with 3 RBI and a run scored as well. He's 10-16 over the last four games.

photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports

It's Time to DFA Tomko

I was glad to be at a barbecue today, blissfully unaware of what was transpiring down in South Florida.

First and foremost, let's hope the injury to CC Sabathia is nothing serious. Bicep tightness could be due to just about anything. It wouldn't be surprising if the big man missed a start and Phil Hughes got a spot start.

While I don't know what will happen with CC, I've known all year that the bullpen must be overhauled. Designating Jose Veras for assignment was a start and now it's time for Brett Tomko to join him.

Let me say right off the bat, I have NEVER liked Tomko as a major league pitcher. He did a decent job when he first came up this year, but there's a reason Tomko doesn't stick with teams. Quite simply, he stinks. And he showed it quite succinctly today in the Yankees 6-3 loss that started out as a 3-1 lead.

I've continually beat on Brian Cashman for his inability to put together a quality bullpen and this year is different. Some people have pointed out to me that last year's pen was good until Kyle Farnsworth was traded. They had a good stretch, no more than that people.

Make no mistake, putting together a pen is one of the most difficult things to do in all of baseball. Other than a starting rotation, it will make or break a team more than any other ingredient. Especially in today's game, where front office people are ready to cream themselves if a starting pitcher goes a whole 6 innings. All it does is put more of a burden on the bullpen.

But more disturbing than the lack of a good pen, is sticking with a bad pen. It's time for Cashman to get off the dime and get some reinforcements in the Bronx.
Mark Melancon and Anthony Claggett should get another shot with the big club. David Robertson should be used in key situations rather than just as a mop up man.

And if need be, go out and get an arm. While everyone needs bullpen help, the Yankees certainly have enough young pitching prospects to barter a deal.

Possible relievers for the Pinstripes:

Jose Valverde, HOU: It's too early right now, but the Astros could move their closer once they fall farther out of the wild card race.

Huston Street, COL: I've never been a big fan of Street's, but I would be willing to give him a shot in a set up role.

Kerry Wood, CLE: He's having a rough year, no doubt, but he's a big time quality arm. Perhaps a change of scenery, and role, could change things. You would think the Indians would like to dump the rest of his contract.

Scott Linebrink, CHI (AL): On another team that won't be moving someone like Linebrink that early, but though he's overpaid, he's one of the most consistent set up men in the game.

Danys Baez, BAL: You've heard the name a lot this season. He's been one of the better arms out of a mediocre Orioles bullpen. But I think he's no better than what we've got.

Mike Gonzalez/Rafael Soriano, ATL: Too early for Atlanta to make moves, but this dynamite lefty/righty duo are both free agents after this season. Both have a history of arm problems, but would be worth a rental. Don't overlook one stat though, left-handed batters are hitting .295 against the southpaw Gonzalez, while righties are under .200. It's a consistent stat throughout Gonzalez' career.

Lesser Names: Matt Herges (CLE), Jon Rauch (AZ), David Weather (CIN), Kiki Calero (FLA, on DL),

Yankees Can't Steal One From Indians

Mistakes Foil Comeback

Filed Under: Yankees

Tags: brett gardner • Carl Pavano • chien-ming wang • Derek Jeter • Jhonny Peralta • Kerry Wood • Mark Teixeira • Phil Hughes • Yankees 5/31 recap • Yankees vs. Indians

Jhonny Peralta’s 9th inning single, past a diving Alex Rodriguez, scored Trevor Crowe from second base and gave the Cleveland Indians a 5-4 victory Sunday afternoon. The Yankees had rallied back from a 4-0 deficit on the back of Mark Teixeira, who drove in all four Yankees runs, but wasted a golden opportunity to take the lead in the top of the 9th inning. Phil Coke was saddled with his third loss of the year after he and David Robertson combined to give up the winning run.

The Yankees were shut down by Carl Pavano, yes, that Carl Pavano, through the first five innings, before Teixeira continued his May home run tear. The outcome of the game may have been different had Derek Jeter not been called out on a play at a first base that replays showed he was clearly safe on. ( First base coach Mick Kelleher and manager Joe Girardi argued to no avail with umpire Mark Carlson.) The play became important, because the next batter, Johnny Damon, reached on a broken bat single and Teixeira sent his 16th home run of the season into the right-center field bleachers. It was Teixeira’s 13th home run in May after hitting just three in April. Instead of a one run game, Teixeira’s home run only cut the lead in half.

Indians fans had to be second guessing manager Eric Wedge when he pulled Pavano in the 8th after his starter allowed a one out single to Jeter. Pavano had thrown just 89 pitches and handled the Yankees potent offense all day. The move quickly backfired when lefty Rafael Perez gave up a double to Damon to put the tying runs in scoring position.

Wedge went to right-hander Rafael Betancourt to face Teixeira, but he was forced to make another move when Betancourt strained his groin and had to leave the game. Teixeira tattooed Matt Herges‘ pitch off the wall in left-center for a 2-run double and suddenly the game was tied 4-4. Herges bounced back though, retiring Alex Rodriguez and Robinson Cano on ground outs to preserve the tie.

Chien-Ming Wang provided three stellar innings in relief of Phil Hughes and the Yankees were set up to take control of the game in the 9th. Indians closer Kerry Wood walked Hideki Matsui to start the inning and Nick Swisher sacrificed pinch-runner Ramiro Pena to second base. Brett Gardner reached on a high chopper to short for an infield single that put runners on the corners with just one out. And that’s where things started to fall apart.

Gardner got the steal sign from Girardi…and didn’t go. Gardner said after the game that he was afraid of being picked off. Odd talk from a base runner as aggressive as Gardner is. Even if he had not stolen second base, had Gardner gone on the pitch, the inevitable might have been avoided- Jorge Posada bounced into an inning ending 4-6-3 double play.

Wedge wasn’t the only manager whose pitching decisions were second guessed on Sunday. The Yankees didn’t want to “stretch out” Wang too far in case he had to start for Andy Pettitte on Wednesday. But Girardi could have opted to start Al Aceves, if necessary, for Pettitte. That would have allowed Wang to continue into the 9th inning yesterday in what was easily his best appearance of the season.

Instead, Phil Coke came on and walked Crowe to start the 9th, and Cabrera did a great job of getting down a 2-strike sacrifice bunt to move the runner into scoring position. Girardi sent for the right-hander throwing Robertson to face the right-handed hitting Ben Francisco, but Robertson walked him. Peralta then provided the heroics with a ball down the left field line that was just out of the reach of an outstretched A-Rod.

Hughes started out like a house afire. He threw two over powering innings, and retired seven of the first eight batters he faced, four of them by strikeout. But two hits and a walk loaded the bases in the 3rd inning and Peralta showed a precursor of what was yet to come- a 2-run single to put the Indians on the board first. Two batters later, Mark DeRosa brought home the Indians third run of the inning with a sacrifice fly.

Hughes had an easy 4th inning, but Gardner misplayed Cabrera’s fly ball into a double to start the 5th inning. The play proved costly when Francisco’s infield single moved Cabrera to third base and Shin-Soo Choo brought him home with a sacrifice fly.

Pavano has looked tremendous in two starts against the Yankees this season, having allowed four earned runs in 13.1 innings. He left both games with the lead only to see the bullpen blow it each time. After starting off the season 0-3, 9.50 in four starts,Pavano has gone 5-1, 3.60 in the seven starts since then.

Game Notes

The Yankees tied the 2006 Boston Red Sox by playing in their 17th straight errorless game.

Mark Teixeira set a personal high with his 13 home runs in May. That figure along with 34 RBI were tops in baseball for the month. He also extended his hitting streak to 13 games on Sunday.

Derek Jeter extended his hitting streak to 14 games.

The Yankees go for the series win tonight when Joba Chamberlain (2-1, 3.97) faces Jeremy Sowers (1-2, 7.71)

The Trade Winds are Staring to Blow

With Memorial Day Weekend fast approaching, teams are going to start deciding whether to be buyers and/or sellers this year. It's still early, but teams that are off to rocky starts could look to bail, while teams out in front will look to seal up any leaks.

Cleveland Indians - SELLER

We never claimed to be excellent prognosticators, but we right on the money this year concerning the Cleveland Indians. After 39 games, the Indians sit in the cellar of the AL Central, 11 games under .500 and 7.5 games behind first place Detroit. Here are three players we think the Indians will or might move.

Cliff Lee - Last year's AL Cy Young winner got hammered in his first two starts, but has posted a 1.43 ERA in his six starts since. Lee's in the last year of a 3-yr deal, though the club holds an $8 million option (what a bargain) for next season. At just 27 years old, Lee could bring back a number of valuable players should the Indians decide to deal him.

Mark DeRosa - Though 33 and in the last year of a deal, teams will be lining up to try to acquire DeRosa's services. He can play three of the four infield positions, as well as the corner outfield spots in a pinch. DeRosa had 21 home runs, 30 doubles, and 87 RBI for the Cubs last season. He's not hitting much this year, but he's still second on the team in RBI.

SI's Jon Heyman reported today that the Indians are fielding offers for DeRosa.

Kerry Wood - The Indians gave their new free agent closer a 3-yr deal this past off-season, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't be willing to move him in later in the season. Teams are constantly in need of bullpen help and teams could either use him to close (Texas) or set up (Yankees).

Vegas Update - Day 3 - 2:00 EST

Ok, this is crazy. It's 53 degrees in Las Vegas and 60 in New Jersey. But alas it's back to normal tomorrow in the Garden State.

Fox Sports' Gerry Fraley was told by a source that the Braves surpassed the Yankees offer to A.J. Burnett. The new proposal is reportedly 5 years for $80 million. As much money as the Yankees may have they may opt to go with Lowe rather than give Burnett upwards of $80 million. Then again, this could influence Derek Lowe's demands as well. Lowe is a much more proven pitcher than Burnett.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox and Reds continue to discuss Jermaine Dye, but aren't aggressively trying to get something done.

When and if Kerry Wood passes a physical, he'll sign a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Indians.

Jon Heyman is reporting that Hank Steinbrenner is still pushing for Manny Ramirez. Someone better tell Hank he's not running the show. Heyman is also hearing that Mark Teixeira has received two offers of at least $160 million.

Rangers honcho Nolan Ryan thinks his team has a real shot of landing Ben Sheets.

Vegas Update - Day 3 - 2:00 EST

Ok, this is crazy. It's 53 degrees in Las Vegas and 60 in New Jersey. But alas it's back to normal tomorrow in the Garden State.

Fox Sports' Gerry Fraley was told by a source that the Braves surpassed the Yankees offer to A.J. Burnett. The new proposal is reportedly 5 years for $80 million. As much money as the Yankees may have they may opt to go with Lowe rather than give Burnett upwards of $80 million. Then again, this could influence Derek Lowe's demands as well. Lowe is a much more proven pitcher than Burnett.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the White Sox and Reds continue to discuss Jermaine Dye, but aren't aggressively trying to get something done.

When and if Kerry Wood passes a physical, he'll sign a 2-year, $20 million deal with the Indians.

Jon Heyman is reporting that Hank Steinbrenner is still pushing for Manny Ramirez. Someone better tell Hank he's not running the show. Heyman is also hearing that Mark Teixeira has received two offers of at least $160 million.

Rangers honcho Nolan Ryan thinks his team has a real shot of landing Ben Sheets.

Vegas Update - Day 3:10 EST

It looks like CC Sabathia won't be leaving Las Vegas with a contract. Sabathia's reps are scheduled to meet with the Giants this weekend. It also reenforces the notion that Sabathia doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees.

WFAN is reporting that the Braves are working hard on a deal with the White Sox to bring back their former outfielder, Jermaine Dye. If a deal does go through, it could open the door for a Jeff Francoeur to the Royals for Zack Greinke deal that has been rumored.

MLB.com is reporting that the Indians are close to a 1 year deal with free agent closer Kerry Wood.

The Baltimore Sun expects the Ramon Hernandez (Orioles) for Ryan Freel (Reds) trade to go down shortly.

According to Jayson Stark, the Rays are looking into bringing back Delmon Young, whom they dealt for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett prior to this past season.

Vegas Update - Day 3:10 EST

It looks like CC Sabathia won't be leaving Las Vegas with a contract. Sabathia's reps are scheduled to meet with the Giants this weekend. It also reenforces the notion that Sabathia doesn't want to pitch for the Yankees.

WFAN is reporting that the Braves are working hard on a deal with the White Sox to bring back their former outfielder, Jermaine Dye. If a deal does go through, it could open the door for a Jeff Francoeur to the Royals for Zack Greinke deal that has been rumored.

MLB.com is reporting that the Indians are close to a 1 year deal with free agent closer Kerry Wood.

The Baltimore Sun expects the Ramon Hernandez (Orioles) for Ryan Freel (Reds) trade to go down shortly.

According to Jayson Stark, the Rays are looking into bringing back Delmon Young, whom they dealt for Matt Garza and Jason Bartlett prior to this past season.

Around the Horn - 4/10

The city of Detroit is breathing a sigh of relief this morning. The Tigers won themselves a ball game last night, 7-2 over the defending champion (ugh) Boston Red Sox. The Tigers scored almost half their total for the entire season up to that point. Jeremy Bonderman got the much coveted victory.

Mike Lowell left the game in 2nd inning with a sprained thumb. Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez picked up his 2,500th career hit.

The Angels slugged 4 home runs, including Mike Napoli's 1st career grand slam, in their 9-5 win over the Indians.

The A's rallied for 4 runs in the 9th against Jeremy Accardo to beat the Blue Jays 6-3. Mark Ellis had himself a nice day- 4 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 2 stolen bases. Oh, if Bobby Crosby can stay healthy. He's hitting .306 and drove in 3 runs last night.

The Mariners pounded the Rays 7-1. Jamie Burke's 3-run home run, the 2nd long ball of his career, put the game out of reach.

Jason Kubel hit a grand slam and drove in 6 in the Twins 12-5 pasting of the White Sox. Chisox starter John Danks gave up 7 runs in 2.1 innings pitched.

The Orioles and Rangers were rained out. They'll play a twi-night doubleheader today.

The Mets finally snapped the Phillies dominance, 9 straight wins, of them with an 8-2 win at Shea. 4 Phillies errors lead to 6 unearned runs and a Mike Pelfrey win.

Micah Owings improved to 2-0 in the Diamondbacks 4-3 win voer the Dodgers. Eric Byrnes had 3 hits, 2 RBI, and run scored.

Kerry Wood blew his first save, allowing a game tying home run to Jason Bay in the 9th, but the Cubs went on to beat the Pirates, 6-4 in 15 innings. The Cubs had a chance to win it in the 14th with a pair of runs, but Adam LaRoche hit a game tying home run off of Kevin Hart. Hart finally picked up the win on Felix Pie's 2-run single.

Youngsters Justin Germano and Jonathan Sanchez hooked up in a pitchers duel as the Padres and Giants put up goose eggs through 8 1/2 innings. Dan Ortmeier finally doubled in the game winner in the bottom of the 9th.

Mike Jacobs homered twice and drove in 4 in the Marlins 10-4 drubbing of the Nationals. Jorge Cantu hit his first home run in a Marlins uni. It was the 6th straight loss for the Nats.

Adam Dunn and Corey Patterson homered in the Reds 12-4 rout of the Brewers.

One more blow out- the Rockies handed one to the Braves, 12-6. Ryan Spilborghs and Yorvit Torrealba combined for 9 RBI.

The Cardinals beat the Astros 6-4 behind Albert Pujols' first two home runs of the year.

Around the Horn - 4/10

The city of Detroit is breathing a sigh of relief this morning. The Tigers won themselves a ball game last night, 7-2 over the defending champion (ugh) Boston Red Sox. The Tigers scored almost half their total for the entire season up to that point. Jeremy Bonderman got the much coveted victory.

Mike Lowell left the game in 2nd inning with a sprained thumb. Tigers catcher Ivan Rodriguez picked up his 2,500th career hit.

The Angels slugged 4 home runs, including Mike Napoli's 1st career grand slam, in their 9-5 win over the Indians.

The A's rallied for 4 runs in the 9th against Jeremy Accardo to beat the Blue Jays 6-3. Mark Ellis had himself a nice day- 4 hits, 1 RBI, 1 run scored, and 2 stolen bases. Oh, if Bobby Crosby can stay healthy. He's hitting .306 and drove in 3 runs last night.

The Mariners pounded the Rays 7-1. Jamie Burke's 3-run home run, the 2nd long ball of his career, put the game out of reach.

Jason Kubel hit a grand slam and drove in 6 in the Twins 12-5 pasting of the White Sox. Chisox starter John Danks gave up 7 runs in 2.1 innings pitched.

The Orioles and Rangers were rained out. They'll play a twi-night doubleheader today.

The Mets finally snapped the Phillies dominance, 9 straight wins, of them with an 8-2 win at Shea. 4 Phillies errors lead to 6 unearned runs and a Mike Pelfrey win.

Micah Owings improved to 2-0 in the Diamondbacks 4-3 win voer the Dodgers. Eric Byrnes had 3 hits, 2 RBI, and run scored.

Kerry Wood blew his first save, allowing a game tying home run to Jason Bay in the 9th, but the Cubs went on to beat the Pirates, 6-4 in 15 innings. The Cubs had a chance to win it in the 14th with a pair of runs, but Adam LaRoche hit a game tying home run off of Kevin Hart. Hart finally picked up the win on Felix Pie's 2-run single.

Youngsters Justin Germano and Jonathan Sanchez hooked up in a pitchers duel as the Padres and Giants put up goose eggs through 8 1/2 innings. Dan Ortmeier finally doubled in the game winner in the bottom of the 9th.

Mike Jacobs homered twice and drove in 4 in the Marlins 10-4 drubbing of the Nationals. Jorge Cantu hit his first home run in a Marlins uni. It was the 6th straight loss for the Nats.

Adam Dunn and Corey Patterson homered in the Reds 12-4 rout of the Brewers.

One more blow out- the Rockies handed one to the Braves, 12-6. Ryan Spilborghs and Yorvit Torrealba combined for 9 RBI.

The Cardinals beat the Astros 6-4 behind Albert Pujols' first two home runs of the year.

Wood Returns to Cubs

ESPN radio in Chicago is reporting that the Cubs have re-signed free agent Kerry Wood to a 1-yr, $4 million deal.

If so, we can only think 2 things. 1) that would felt some loyalty to the Cubbies and 2) he's hoping to have a big year to get a big payoff. There's no doubt he could have gotten a multi-year deal with a number of teams, the Yankees included.

Wood Returns to Cubs

ESPN radio in Chicago is reporting that the Cubs have re-signed free agent Kerry Wood to a 1-yr, $4 million deal.

If so, we can only think 2 things. 1) that would felt some loyalty to the Cubbies and 2) he's hoping to have a big year to get a big payoff. There's no doubt he could have gotten a multi-year deal with a number of teams, the Yankees included.