The Importance Of Kerry Wood
As one of the most loved and respected Chicago Cubs of the past decade, Kerry Wood's return to the organization adds more than just a talented, veteran arm to the bullpen.
But which is more important? His clubhouse presence or his on-field performance?
"I said something the other day, and I really meant it," Cubs' manager Mike Quade said on the Mully and Hanley Show. "We were here to lay Ronnie [Santo] to rest, and [the Wood signing] took place shortly after. And who was more crazy about this organization than Ron Santo?
LISTEN: Mike Quade On The Mully And Hanley Show
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"And then you see Woody come back, taking less money and basically saying this: 'I'm finishing here. I want to finish here. And whatever you want to pay me is fine.' And that's incredible. So that stuff in the clubhouse, his experience is excellent."
It's going to take more than great clubhouse personalities to help turn this Cubs team into a playoff contender. And based on the additions of Wood, Carlos Pena and Matt Garza, Jim Hendry wants to get back to the playoffs in a hurry. But the key to the Hendry's most recent additions is that they're all great teammates and players.
"For all that clubhouse stuff that matters a ton," Quade said, "I'd like to think that [Wood] will be more important on the field, and he'll really bridge that gap. And when you combine him and [Sean] Marshall and [Carlos] Marmol, and give [Andrew] Cashner [the opportunity] to see what he can be as a starter, [Wood is] just an excellent fit. And we're glad to have him back."
