Updated at 9:36 a.m., Monday, November 26, 2007
Baseball: Pitcher Wood, Cubs agree to 1-year deal
Associated Press
CHICAGO — Kerry Wood, who made the switch to the bullpen last season after a swift recovery from shoulder problems, agreed today to a $4.2 million, one-year deal to return to the Chicago Cubs.Wood, the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year, can make an additional $3.45 million in performance bonuses. He had a $1.75 million salary this year.
The right-hander went 1-1 last season with a 3.33 ERA in 22 relief appearances. He didn't join the team until Aug. 5 when he made his first appearance since June 2006.
Wood has a 72-57 career record with 3.67 ERA in part of nine seasons with the Cubs. He made an immediate impression when he struck out 20 Houston Astros in just his fifth major league start in 1998 and went 13-6 in that first season, helping the Cubs win the NL wild card.
He missed the 1999 season after elbow ligament replacement surgery.
