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Cubs slam door on Kerry Wood

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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.

Chicago Sun Times

Kerry Wood, Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Kerry Wood, Stephen Dunn/Getty Images
December 2, 2008  07:36 AM ET

It was time to cut the cord.

December 2, 2008  07:41 AM ET

Kerry is a fan favorite but unfortunately it's the right decision with his history of arm troubles.

December 2, 2008  08:04 AM ET

Ten million for Wood? I seriously doubt he's going to get 10 million from anyone. He wasn't nearly that good last year.

December 2, 2008  08:44 AM ET
QUOTE(#3):

Ten million for Wood? I seriously doubt he's going to get 10 million from anyone. He wasn't nearly that good last year.

Mets probably will, they like to sign over the hill guys prone to injury

December 2, 2008  09:05 AM ET

This is the right decision as far as money, however if it is true he would have signed for less out of the gate then Hendry has made a serious mistake. Wood is finally healthy and had a very good season last year and you can never have enough quality relief pitching. I hope he is still available down the road and can be signed to a deal that makes sense.

December 2, 2008  09:07 AM ET

Not offe arbitration was a dumb move. Any time you lose an All-Star for not even as much as draft picks, the G.M. dropped the ball. I am a huge supporter of Jim Hendry and everything thing he has done with the team, even the debatable Pierre trade in the '05-06 off-season. By not offering arbitration, we lose picks... and the Cubs farm systen needs to be replenished, especially in the event of a Peavy trade. The move (and freed up salary) gives the team no guarantee whatsoever that they will get the LH hitter they need or be able to swing the Peavy deal. It seems like a huge, and largely unnecessary, gamble on the part of the organization.

December 2, 2008  09:33 AM ET

The Tigers might pick him up. They like to pay large salaries for decent players. They could also use a closer...as well as the rest of the bullpen...as well as a starting rotaion...
I would have liked to see Wood stay with the Cubs, though.

December 2, 2008  09:35 AM ET

This has been a long time coming

December 2, 2008  10:01 AM ET

It's time that Wood steps up to the big time and joins Pavano and Hampton as Multi Year large contract catastrophes.....

December 2, 2008  11:21 AM ET
QUOTE(#4):

Mets probably will, they like to sign over the hill guys prone to injury

I think the Mets will end up signing Fuentes

December 2, 2008  11:22 AM ET

That picture of Kerry Wood reminds me of a Young Sir Robin...circa 1978

December 2, 2008  12:02 PM ET
QUOTE(#10):

I think the Mets will end up signing Fuentes

I agree, left handed and will probably lst longer the K-Rod, the way he throws in that jerky motion would scare me and if he screws up the NY media will eat him alive if he gets the money he is looking for.

December 2, 2008  12:37 PM ET

another Fox headline...

Reds' Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again

Wood will for sure be on the DL, Baker screwed Woods arm up the first time, why not go ahead and end his career now

December 2, 2008  12:52 PM ET

I have a sneaky suspicion the Ranegrs will try to sign him for a 3 year $25 million deal or something like that. Hometown boy, teams needs a closer and to sell tickets. Nolan Ryan is a big fan too.

December 2, 2008  02:00 PM ET

MINDBODYSPIRIT is right. If you don't offer, you lose the the picks. It sounds like Jim Hendry needs to brush up on the Billy Beane Playbook

December 2, 2008  02:48 PM ET

Actually he had a great year for the Cubs! He's throwing 96 on the gun and I'm sure they were afraid he'd accept arbitration. He'll get at least 8 mill there and obviously they didn't want to take that chance.

December 2, 2008  03:22 PM ET

R.I.P. Kerry

December 2, 2008  04:12 PM ET
QUOTE:

After all the Cubs did for him he should pitch for free.

kerry has always been a team first guy and his injuries have been legit and severe. i'll miss him. he's an all time great cub--not so much for his pitching success as for his heart and soul and guts. i have to admit i kind of wish they were keeping him, even though from a business perspective it makes no sense.

December 2, 2008  04:37 PM ET

kerry has done a good job for the cubs but asking for 10 million is a little too much considering his injuries

 
December 2, 2008  05:05 PM ET

Kerry Woods not on the Cubs ...Whoa! I don't think so ...that would a big mistake for them..I'm sure Woods will take a pay-cut...if not, ANY team would be glad to take Woods

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