Chicago Cubs News: Wood heads to KC, remembering ’03 Cubs

The Chicago Cubs lost lefty Travis Wood, who signed a two-year deal with the Royals on Monday. We also look back at the 2003 NLCS in the Morning Marquee.

On Monday, former Chicago Cubs left-hander Travis Wood signed a two-year deal worth a reported $12 million with the Kansas City Royals.

Earlier in the day, reports indicated the Cubs had made an offer to Wood. However, his role in Chicago was clear: he would work out of the pen.

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Wood now joins former Chicago teammate Jason Hammel in Kansas City, after the right-handed agreed to a deal himself last week.

Both men are expected to compete for spots in the Royals’ starting rotation.

The duo will also have a familiar face in Jorge Soler, who was dealt to KC for closer Wade Davis early in the offseason.

In related news, while the team and Hammel tried to paint his departure as an amicable split, reports have surfaced questioning that fact. Some believe his relationship with manager Joe Maddon contributed to the team declining his 2017 team option.

The merry-go-round continues for lefty David Rollins, who cleared waivers after being designated for assignment for the sixth time last week. He will compete for a spot in big league camp as a non-roster invitee.

Next: Breaking down the Cubs' catching options

With a World Series championship under our belts, co-site expert Jacob Misener decided to go back and re-live Game 6 of the 2003 NLCS. He detailed the experience in a piece you can find below.

The Chicago Cubs also open camp as the defending World Series champions, thus beginning their quest for a repeat.

This, and more, in today’s Morning Marquee:

“Is Jake Arrieta poised to bounce back?” 

“Lefty Rollins to compete for big league roster spot”

“Talking a walk through Game 6 of the ’03 NLCS” 

“Chicago Cubs make offer to Travis Wood”