12-02-2008, 01:24 PM
I don't think I would like this, especially in our division, but Dusty would finish the job of ruining whatever's left of Woody's career. Trib link
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->chicagotribune.com
Reds' Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again
Fred Mitchell
AROUND TOWN
10:13 PM CST, December 1, 2008
Kerry Wood answered the call from the bullpen last season for the Cubs, reinventing himself as a capable closer with 34 saves.
Will he pick up the phone when Dusty Baker from division foe Cincinnati calls him?
The Cubs decided to pass on offering Wood a multiyear deal to retain his services, so Baker says he plans to give Wood a call to check on his possible interest in signing with Cincinnati.
"We have a closer already in [ Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years," Baker said Monday. "But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what's up."
Baker managed the Cubs when the oft-injured Wood provided glimpses of his potential as a hard-throwing starter before trying to reduce the strain on his arm and shoulder by pitching out of the bullpen as a setup man before becoming a closer.
Baker plans to consult with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty as the annual winter meetings commence next week in Las Vegas.
"We will probably address that while we are down there. It depends on a lot of stuff," Baker said. "I have to talk to Kerry first. He did a pretty good job for the Cubs."
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, who has been very close to Wood over the years, said it was in the best interests of Wood and his family to pursue a long-term contract elsewhere. Wood later indicated he would have discussed a one-year deal to remain in Chicago. There has been speculation that Cubs manager Lou Piniella became exasperated with Wood last season when he missed about a month with a blister on his right hand.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--quoteo-->QUOTE <!--quotec-->chicagotribune.com
Reds' Dusty Baker wants to manage Kerry Wood again
Fred Mitchell
AROUND TOWN
10:13 PM CST, December 1, 2008
Kerry Wood answered the call from the bullpen last season for the Cubs, reinventing himself as a capable closer with 34 saves.
Will he pick up the phone when Dusty Baker from division foe Cincinnati calls him?
The Cubs decided to pass on offering Wood a multiyear deal to retain his services, so Baker says he plans to give Wood a call to check on his possible interest in signing with Cincinnati.
"We have a closer already in [ Francisco] Cordero, who we have under contract for a few more years," Baker said Monday. "But somebody can use Kerry Wood. I am going to call him. I like Kerry Wood as a person, not just as a ballplayer, but as a person. I will give him a call and see what's up."
Baker managed the Cubs when the oft-injured Wood provided glimpses of his potential as a hard-throwing starter before trying to reduce the strain on his arm and shoulder by pitching out of the bullpen as a setup man before becoming a closer.
Baker plans to consult with Reds general manager Walt Jocketty as the annual winter meetings commence next week in Las Vegas.
"We will probably address that while we are down there. It depends on a lot of stuff," Baker said. "I have to talk to Kerry first. He did a pretty good job for the Cubs."
Cubs general manager Jim Hendry, who has been very close to Wood over the years, said it was in the best interests of Wood and his family to pursue a long-term contract elsewhere. Wood later indicated he would have discussed a one-year deal to remain in Chicago. There has been speculation that Cubs manager Lou Piniella became exasperated with Wood last season when he missed about a month with a blister on his right hand.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->