Kerry Wood

Kerry Wood is a right-handed relief pitcher for the of the Chicago Cubs of Major League Baseball.

On December 13, 2008, Wood signed a two-year contract worth a reported $20.5 million with the Cleveland Indians.ESPN.com: Indians Sign Closer Wood

Few pitchers in baseball history excited fans as much in their rookie season as Kerry Wood. In 1998, he made his Major League debut with the Cubs and quickly established himself as a pitcher of exceptional promise. In his fifth career start, he struck out 20 batters—tying a National League record—and gave up only one hit. The performance broke the record for most strikeouts by a rookie. He finished the year at 13-6, struck out 233 batters, and won the NL Rookie of the Year award.

However, Wood would endure a series of injuries over the next nine years that would severely reduce his playing time. After missing the last month of the 1998 season with elbow soreness, he sat out the entire 1999 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. However, between 2001 and 2003, Wood was a reliable starter, winning 12 or more games and striking out more than 200 each year. But between 2004 and 2006, Wood struggled with injuries to his knee, triceps, and recurrent elbow soreness.

In 2007, Wood moved to the bullpen to reduce strain on his elbow, and in 2008, he became the Cubs closer. Wood saved 34 of 40 games and served up a mid-90s mph fastball in the 2008 season.ESPN: Wood ... says leaving team is 'bittersweet' (November 14, 2008)

In November 2008, the Cubs acquired relief pitcher Kevin Gregg from the Florida Marlins and let Wood become a free agent. General manager Jim Henry said that the team was not able to afford the kind of contract that Wood deserved.ESPN.com: Cubs close door on Wood after trading for Gregg (November 13, 2008)

• ESPN Video: Kerry Wood signs Two-Year deal with Indians (Time 0:56)

• ESPN.com: Report: Indians offer Wood two-year deal (December 10, 2008)

• FOX Sports: Kerry Wood News

• ESPN.com: Cubs close door on Wood after trading for Gregg (November 13, 2008)

• ESPN: Wood ... says leaving team is 'bittersweet' (November 14, 2008)

• USA Today: Wood: 'I Haven't Felt Like This in Years' (February 20, 2008)

• MLB.com: "Wood to face final test at Double-A" (July 30, 2007)

• KSDK.com: "Cubs GM Happy With Final Kerry Wood Outing" (July 27, 2007)

• SignOnSanDiego.com: "Sudden Turnaround has Wood on Road to Recovery" (July 19, 2007)

• Mahalo's Guide to the Cleveland Indians
• Baseball-Reference.com: Career Stats
  • Height: 6-5
  • Weight: 220
  • Rookie Year: 1998