The Chicago Tribune recently spoke with Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker about free agent reliever Kerry Wood. Baker managed Wood for several years when he was with the Cubs and apparently the pitcher made a good impression. The manager is reportedly interested in signing Wood and will discuss the possibility with GM Walt Jocketty.
As Baker mentioned though, the Reds already have a closer Francisco Cordero who they signed last year to a 4 year, $46 million deal. While Wood would (yikes, I'll try not to do that anymore) definitely make a hell of a setup man, or insurance for Cordero, I have a hard time believing the Red will be able to make him the type of offer he'll likely receive to close out games. While Wood has a history of injuries, he also saved 34 games last year and wasn't offered arbitration which means his new team won't have to give up a high draft pick as they would when signing Francisco Rodriguez or Brian Fuentes.
