This can’t be good for Kerry Wood’s future in Chicago.
The Chicago Cubs have acquired Florida Marlins reliever Kevin Gregg, sources told ESPN The Magazine’s Buster Olney.
The Marlins received 22-year-old right-hander Jose Ceda in return, according to sources.
Gregg, who was Florida’s closer for most of the 2008 season, saved 29 games last season and was 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA. He blew nine saves for the Marlins in 2008.
If the Cubs were to pursue Jake Peavy or any of the top free agent pitchers (not to mention Brian Roberts or Raul Ibanez) they would obviously have to cut payroll somewhere and it looks like they are choosing to do it with Kerry Wood. Which is a shame, much like Rick Ankiel, I thought Kerry Wood was another guy that would be one team for life. Cubs fans have been through so much with Kerry Wood from his rapid ascension, 20K game to the point where it looked like he wouldn’t ever stay healthy to this season where he established himself as a closer. He’s a figure in the city and I always hate to see guys like that leave, but in the end it’s just about money and there will be someone there to take his place. Just ask Trevor Hoffman.
