You know who’s an awesome guy? Kerry Wood.
I’ve never actively hoped that he would be traded, but I was certainly open to the idea if it was what Wood wanted. He could bring back a hell of a return, and he could get another chance to enjoy the postseason.
Well, it sounds like he doesn’t want to be traded, and that’s just fine, too.
Wood didn’t totally rule out a trade when he discussed the matter yesterday with various members of the media, but he made it clear how happy he is in Chicago, and how important it is to he and his family to be here.
“I think [a trade] would have to be great for both [me and the Cubs],” he said, explaining the only circumstance under which he’d consider a trade. “Obviously, Sarah and I will talk about it. We have a little bit. It would have to be ideal for both. It would have to be something that is definitely going to help this organization down the road and something that’s going to fit for us, which is, right now, here. I know the talk’s going to come. I’ve already been hearing it. So we can address it now. I doubt it. We’re committed here. We’ve got [the charity bowling] event in September. So I’ll just leave it at that. I don’t see it. I don’t see it happening.”
Assuredly part of the reason Wood wants to stay in the Chicago is the Wood Family Foundation, announced yesterday, which aims to help Chicago area kids, any way it can. Wood hopes to be able to give kids coats, school supplies, and even a new baseball field.
Sometimes there are good reasons to refuse a trade. And, in Wood’s case, sometimes there are a number of good reasons.
During his media whirlwind, which included the first tweets of his social career, Wood also told folks he expects to be activated from the disabled list (blisters) today. Given the 13-inning affair yesterday, he’ll be needed.