Kerry Wood assists Chicago Cubs’ in Matt Garza deal
Kerry Wood isn’t someone who would have made his way cheaply to any team in Major League Baseball. The veteran who was a part of the Chicago Cubs’ roster once, made his way back to the squad this year on a very big discount. The player was an active member
in the New York Yankees’ bullpen and that made the big difference on the Cubs’ financial books and roster structure.
The Cubs had more cash to spend and with Kerry’s inspirational return; it led to the Matt Garza deal. In a way to highlight the way things played out, it was Ron Santo’s passing that brought Wood and the Cubs together. The formidable reunion was Kerry’s
choice though. In a way that was fate and now that will help the team as Wood will provide cover for Carlos Marmol.
On the other hand, Andrew Cashner, will be relieved of the task to cover for the bullpen. Cashner will be able to play in the rotation and in a way that helps the management. Carlos Pena, who was also acquired recently, will get his $10 million of salary
in delayed payments. The resultant financial relief gave the side a chance to pursue Matt Garza, who will demand a salary raise on his 2013 contract.
"Obviously, we needed somebody new at first base, and it came down to a couple choices," General Manager Jim Hendry said. "In hindsight, I think we have the right guy (in Carlos Pena). And we're very grateful to Kerry for making the deal he made with us.
It enabled us to look at (Andrew) Cashner in a different light in some ways and also know we have a lot of experience at the back end if (Carlos) Marmol needs a blow or somebody pulls a hamstring.”
With 27-year-old Garza coming to the side and Kerry easing the roster problems, there is a lot of cash to go around, which is why an arbitration issue can be easily dealt with by the Cubs.
"We felt that the way we finished under (manager) Mike Quade's direction, and with our young people really playing well late in the year that ... we still needed a high-end quality starting pitcher, which is very very hard to get in the trade market," Hendry
said. "You usually have to take your chances at high-level, high-dollar free agency. It isn't often that you can acquire a 27-year-old top-of-the-rotation type of guy who has three years left before he's a free agent in any kind of a trade. Obviously, with
that comes trading some significant young talent back."
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