Kerry Wood Back In Pinstripes?

Kerry Wood is one player that is eagerly awaiting for the Cliff Lee saga to be over. From how it sounds today there appears to be only three teams seriously thinking about signing Wood, the Chicago White Sox , Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees. With one being the Yankees, we know everything is on hold till Lee makes his decision.

@Ken_Rosenthal: #Yankees still want K. Wood back; Lee comes first. #WhiteSox also showing interest in Wood; Konerko first. Sox need late-inning help.

Wood was absolutely lights out as the Yankees setup man down the stretch. After being traded from the Cleveland Indians he posted a 1.23 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP over 23 innings pitched. That makes him very valuable and will definitely make him think he can still be a closer.

With him thinking he can be a closer, makes money an issue. Will any team be willing to give him closer money?

@cst_sox: Sox-Woods rumors were just blown-up by a source. Sox feel Wood is too expensive even if they don’t get Konerko.

@BryanHoch: Yankees talked to Kerry Wood’s agents today. Interested in having him back, but Cashman says he “won’t compete with closer money.”

So obviously we see no one really thinks they can afford him at the closer salary, not even the Yankees who have a glaring need for a setup man.

With that being said, I really think Wood winds back in New York. For one he looked very comfortable and relaxed, once he realizes he’s not going to get the money he wants that could play a role. Two, if the Yankees do lose out on Lee they may be willing to spend a little extra to secure late inning help.

Here’s some other news about Cliff Lee and the Yankees, that’s holding up Woods options:
Nationals show serious interest in Cliff Lee.
Brian Cashman frustrated with Lee negotiations.

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Tags: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Cliff Lee, Kerry Wood, MLB, New York Yankees