May 19, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood speaks during a press conference announcing his retirement before the game against the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Fitch park is somewhere that Kerry is very familiar with and the Cubs have brought him back as an instructor for Cubs’ pitching. No doubt he’ll be able to contribute to the team positively.

Wood, who has retired last May, is one of the more popular Cubs’ players of our generation. He’s clearly still fond of the organization and is enjoying the alternative perspective of instructing:

It was nice not having to run from field to field and doing all the drills. Obviously different, but nice to be back on the field and back in uniform and being around the guys again.

Wood not only brings experience to the young squad, but his level headed nature carries throughout his actions. These positive habits could be adopted by the younger players who look up to Wood.

Dale Sveum is also happy to have Wood on board for spring training:

Sometimes a young player will listen to a Kerry Wood before a Dale Sveum. It’s just a presence, and to give him an opportunity to get on this side of the wall and see if he enjoys this part of it — front office, development, whatever it might be.

Reports indicate that Wood will stay on staff for the duration of the season as he is still a resident of Chicago and also owns property in Phoenix. Having a mentor on staff can only bring value to the team, and Wood is embracing his position having taken the time to talk to young pitchers about how to prepare for the season:

Just being around here and learning the new faces and the younger guys who are going to be coming through the organization. I was pretty young when I came through it, so I think I have something to offer. It’s valuable to have just another guy around for the young guys to go talk to. Sometimes young players can be intimidated to go talk to a big league manager or pitching coach, so it’s just another guy that’s floating around they may be more comfortable talking with

Pitching was a significant portion of the Cubs’ off season acquisitions, and all members of the pitching staff seem pleased by the moves. There is now a rotation worthy of contention and many potential breakout players in the bullpen. Pairing Wood’s experience and skill with pitching coach Chris Bosio‘s approach will likely mean a strong turn around for the club.

Kerry Wood. The mere mention of his name is likely to draw some type of emotional reaction from Cubs fans. There is no hiding the fact that Wood has been the most popular Cub for the past decade.

When someone mentions Kerry Wood’s name to me, what is my reaction? My reaction is bitter-sweet. On one hand, I am a Cubs fan at heart, and love all the things that Wood symbolizes. Wood has been a symbol for the Chicago Cubs throughout his entire career, regardless of whether he was on the Cubs, Cleveland Indians, or New York Yankees.  Yes, I was suckered into the heart-warming story of how Wood returned to the Cubs after the 2010 season.

But those are not the only feelings that come to my heart when I hear the mention of Kerry Wood. The other feeling is disappointment and confusion. Disappointment because of what Wood could have been. Wood took the Major Leagues by a storm when he struck out 20 Houston Astros in a game during his rookie season, but that may be the best on the field memory that anyone has of Wood. The bulk of Wood’s career has been spent on the disabled list with various arm injuries that eventually led to Wood becoming a reliever. Wood was a successful reliever, though, not to the level that should earn him hall of fame consideration. Neither should Wood be considered as a hall of fame starting pitcher.

That is where the confusion comes in for me. Because I get the feeling that while Cubs fans will never admit this, Wood will be remembered most for being a mascot to the Cubs’ organization than he would for anything that he has done on the field. For that reason, I say that Kerry Wood should not be considered for the hall of fame nor should his number be retired.

I know I may be in the minority in saying that, and I want to give you the opportunity to voice your opinion. Feel free to vote on whether or not you think Kerry Wood’s number should be retired by the Cubs’ organization, and leave comments as to what you think Wood will be remembered for when his career is examined down the line.

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As the Chicago Cubs were heading into their series against their cross-town rivals, the Chicago White Sox, there was a noticeable decline in excitement in regards to the cross-town series. This lack of excitement may result from both teams entering some sort of rebuilding process. Though, the rebuilding philosophy is more on display with the Cubs than it is with the White Sox. However, there is breaking news this Friday that will likely have everyone in the Wrigley Field stands buzzing.

The player known best as “Kid K” has decided that he is no longer a kid anymore, and has witnessed the game pass him by in some sort. Multiple reports are confirming  that Cubs’ reliever Kerry Wood is set to announce that he will be retiring from the game of baseball prior to the Cubs game against the White Sox.

There will be a lot of speculation as to why Wood has decided to retire rather than trying to finish out the season. Wood has struggled this season as in nine appearances, Wood has posted an ERA of 8.64 to go along with a WHIP of 2.28. Wood has also spent time on the disabled list this season with an ailing right shoulder. Wood spent the 2011 season with the Cubs before becoming a free agent in the off-season. During the 0ff-season, Wood expressed his interest in returning to the Cubs, but, with negotiations being drawn out it was unclear if the veteran would put on a Cubs’ uniform for the 2012 season. However, Cubs’ chairman Tom Ricketts is believed to have stepped over Theo Epstein and Jed Hoyer and signed Wood to one year contract worth $3.5 million.

There will be more information available as to why Wood has decided to retire once the Cubs and Wood hold the press conference. For now at least, lets just remember Wood for what he has meant to not only the Cubs, but the city of Chicago as well.

Stay clicked onto Cubbies Crib as we will have more updates on the Kerry Wood story as they develop.