Cleveland Indians Rumors: Is Kerry Wood trade bait?
ByPaul Hoynes of The Plain Dealer says that pitcher Kerry Wood is a trade candidate this season. Wood, 32, will make $10.5 million this year, and with the Cleveland Indians in rebuilding mode he could be shipped off to a contending team.
Wood was 3-3 with 20 saves in 58 appearances in his first year with the American League club. There were off season rumors of team inquiring about him, but the Indians wanted teams to absorb most of his salary. He still has a 97 mph fastball, but his ability to stay healthy throughout the year could be his downfall.
New manager Manny Acta and pitching coach Tim Belcher plan to use Wood more this season. They plan to use Wood in more four-out save situations which could lead to improved stats. Additionally, Acta said that Wood will not go for more than three days without pitching.
Woods has a lifetime 80-64 record with 3.67 ERA. He spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs and in 2008 he had 34 saves. You can see Wood’s contract history and statistics here.

