Yesterday, the Yankees declined their $11M option on Kerry Wood. I know. Shocking! After combining for a total of 0.6 WAR between 2009 and 2010, Wood’s true value is probably closer to $1-1.5M per season. (He did pitch much better once he had been traded to the Yankees.) Despite Wood’s struggles over the past two seasons, it appears he has at least one suitor—the Cubs Jim Hendry. As ESPN Chicago’s Bruce Levine reports:
“A source familiar with the situation said Wood would be welcomed back to the Cubs organization if general manager Jim Hendry has enough money in the offseason to be able to sign Wood and add the other dimensions to become a contender.”
I find this quote to be very confusing—and amusing. Both Levine and the unnamed source take a wild leap in assuming that Hendry is going to be retained as the Cubs GM. While it certainly is puzzling that Hendry hasn’t been fired yet (and I stress the word yet), it’s only a matter of time. Hendry’s inability to manage a roster, maintain payroll flexibility, and build a solid farm system is the reason the Cubs are in the mess they’re in now. With new ownership fully in place, it’s only a matter of time before they decide to put their own touch on the organization. When that happens, Hendry will likely be given the first ticket out of town.
Oh, and for the Cubs signing Kerry Wood? I would pass unless they get a really great deal. They need to shed old, expensive players, not acquire them.
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