The K Kid

Kerry Wood is no longer what he once was to most Cubs fans. He is no longer the pitcher who pitched so flawlessly up until game 7 of the 2003 NLCS and got the Cubs within a game of the World Series.  To my generation of Cubs fans, Kerry is our Ron Santo. Kerry has never lived up to the expectations placed upon him by Cubs fans, but in Kerry's defense it is not for a lack of effort.  The guy simply could never stay healthy, and while some people question what was wrong with Prior all those years, Kerry always had a real injury and always suffered massive setbacks.

Kerry Wood returning to Chicago after 2 years is a godsend.  Kerry is home, he is right where he belongs; locking down the 8th inning for the Cubs. With Kerry, Marshall, and Marmol at the back end of the bullpen, the Cubs may just have the best bullpen in the NL central division.  After looking at Kerry's numbers since he became strictly a reliever, he has been extremely dependable and been lockdown in key situations and big moments.  Kerry was absolutely unhittable after getting traded to the Yankees and it was probably some of his best work as a pitcher in his career.  With the Yanks, Wood had a 0.69ERA and 31 k's in 24 innings. I know his numbers were terrible in 09 with the Yankees, but again Kerry was injured for the better part of that campaign. With the Cubs in 08, and the Yankees last year, Kerry has been able to really find a niche when being a part of a contending team.  Why Kerry ever signed on to play with the Indians I will never know. I know 2yrs/20 mil is a pretty convincing reason, but he could have signed numerous other places for near the same price and been on a contender.  Cubs fans should be applauding Kerry for taking far less money to come back to Chicago to play for the Cubs for a fraction of what he could have earned.  Not only did Kerry take a pay cut, he also took a 1 year deal. Kerry wants to be here. He is a Cub through and through, and Kerry wants to be here when we win. It will happen.  Whether that comes when Kerry is still on the roster or in the front office is to be determined, but I am glad Kerry Wood is back on the North Side of town, and hopefully he will be here for the rest of his career. 

Prediction for the season. Kerry Wood, 55 IP, 4-3 W-L record, 77k's, and an ERA of 3.25.