MESA, Ariz. (AP) -As a rookie a decade ago, Kerry Wood struck out 20 Houston Astros batters in just his fifth major league start for the Chicago Cubs.
Asked Thursday if he could believe it has been 10 years since he broke into the majors, Wood had a quick reply.
“Seems like 30,” he said.
“There have been some rough ones in there, but hopefully I can do it for a little longer. I felt great finishing last year. And from day one of me picking up the ball this year and throwing it, I feel normal again.”
Wood, whose career has been plagued by an assortment of injuries and trips to the disabled list since he was NL Rookie of the Year in 1998, made a surprising recovery from shoulder problems last year and pitched 22 times out of the bullpen over the final two months. He was 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA.
Now the 30-year-old Wood, who has started 178 games in his career, could be the Cubs’ closer. With Ryan Dempster moving to the rotation, that role will go to Wood, Bob Howry or Carlos Marmol.
out and pitch and be successful and feel strong doing it. We’ve got plenty of guys down there who could go it. We’re in a good situation,” Wood said Thursday.
“Obviously it would be an exciting role to be in, but is it a goal? My goal is just to go out and get through spring training and be ready to go when the season starts, whatever role that will be.”
If being in the running for the closer’s job is different, so is starting a spring training without his former teammate Mark Prior, who, like Wood, battled arm problems during his stint with the Cubs.
Wood and Prior pitched the Cubs to the playoffs five years ago when they got within five outs of making the World Series.
But Prior was not offered a contract by Chicago and signed with the Padres. He had shoulder surgery last April and missed last season.
“I wish him the best. He’s worked hard. I’m pulling for him to get healthy and hope he has a good year,” Wood said.
“It’s a little bit different not having him here. I think I saw (Kevin) Hart had (No.) 22 on today. It was a little weird seeing somebody else wear it.”
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