Theo Epstein values Kerry Wood’s desire to be back with Chicago Cubs – MLB News
Since taking charge as a president of baseball operations, Theo Epstein did not take a rest even for one moment, which justifies his desire to make the Chicago Cubs as one of the best team in the National League. Epstein hired manager Dale Sveum on Friday
and expressed his desire to get relief pitcher Kerry Wood back in the club.
Kerry Wood, who underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in September, was said to be in rest for at least two weeks to recover earlier than usual. At that time, Wood stated he would prefer retirement rather than playing for some other club. Epstein
seemed to have put his attention on this issue as he contacted Wood to discuss the conditions of his comeback. It was the first meeting between Epstein and Wood since he joined the Cubs on October 21.
According to the sources, major decision has been taken in the meeting, but neither Epstein nor Wood disclosed details to the media on Friday.
"I'll leave the details of the meeting confidential," Epstein said. "But I have no trouble going on the record saying that Kerry Wood is a very important part of the Chicago Cubs. We want him back."
Baseball experts and fans in Chicago are raising the questions regarding the current form of the right-hander pitcher. Before the 2011 season, Wood agreed to return in the team with a $1.5 million one-year contract, but he did not perform as per the expectations
of the team management. In an injury-plagued season, he appeared in 55 games and held only 21 with three wins with a 3.35 ERA. He suffered from a torn meniscus in his left knee in September and did not pitch after September 18.
Wood has always been a choice of Epstein, who tried to hire him in 2010, when he was managing the Boston Red Sox.
"He makes us a better organization," Epstein said. "That's because of what he brings to the clubhouse as well as his leadership so I'd like to get him back in the fold and move forward with him."
The Red Sox newly hired general manager Ben Cherington has also been reported to have contacted Wood for a two-year $8.5 million contract. However, Wood has decided to return to the Cubs rather than going to someone else.
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