The Cubs and the Red Sox are both about to make a move to bolster their respective bullpens. MLBtraderumors.com reported last night that the Cubs are in the process of finalizing a deal with former fan favorite Kerry Wood. After being traded from the Indians to the Yankees last season and finally overcoming early season injuries, Wood pitched well down the stretch, coming out of the bullpen, and finished the season with a 3-4 record, a 3.13 ERA and 49 strikeouts in only 46 innings. Yes, there will always be the possibility of injury, but if Wood stays healthy he offers a great arm to help setup Cubs' closer Carlos Marmol. It will great to see him back in Chi-town, as he offers great clubhouse leadership and a veteran presence on a team trying to get younger. Time to break the number 34 Cubs jerseys out of your closets.
The Red Sox are on the verge of signing Bobby Jenks to a two year, $12 million deal. Jenks did have an off-year last season, posting a 4.44 ERA. He did however still strikeout 61 batters in 52.2 innings and post the tenth highest ground ball percentage (58.3%) among relievers with at least 50 innings pitched. He will offer a great arm to the back of the Red Sox bullpen to help out Daniel Bard and Jonathan Papelbon. With their signings earlier in the offseason, the bullpen was the last real hole the Red Sox had on their roster. Jenks is just the guy that GM Theo Epstein needed.
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