As I noted on the Message Board yesterday, Kerry Wood has a torn meniscus in his left knee, and his season is over.
The injury occurred over the weekend in the bullpen while squatting, and Wood will soon have arthroscopic surgery to repair the damage. It was apparently a recurrent problem throughout the season, and this time, the injury was too much to pitch through. The surgery, Wood says, should have him good to go by Spring.
But does that matter? Will Wood, 34, actually pitch again next year?
“We’ll see where we’re at,” he said. “I’m not going to play anywhere else. This is where I want to be. If they need me back, I’ll be back.”
So it’s Cubs or retirement for Wood, who signed a meager $1.5 million deal for 2011. The next GM will have a difficult decision about whether to spend a million or two (and a roster spot) on a recovering Wood, or to allow young pitchers to come up and take the reigns.
Either way, Wood expects to be around.
“I’ve spent half my life here with the organization,” Wood said. “This organization is family to me, and I get a chance to build a new relationship with the Ricketts family. I plan on being around. I’m raising my kids here.
‘‘I’m not saying it’s going to be broadcasting. I’m not saying it’s going to be radio. I’m not saying I’m coaching, managing — any of that stuff. I’m just saying I’d like to be around and be part of something.”
If there’s anything that’s certain, it’s that the Cubs feel the same way about keeping Wood around in whatever capacity he’d like.
Wood finishes the season with a 3.55 ERA, a 1.294 WHIP, and 57 strikeouts in 51 innings of work.