CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs acquired reliever Kevin Gregg in a trade with the Florida Marlins on Thursday, a move that appears to end Kerry Wood's career with the team.
Wood, the 1998 NL Rookie of the Year who saved 34 games this year, had been the longest-tenured player on the Cubs. General manager Jim Hendry said Wood was deserving of a three- or four-year deal and the Cubs are not prepared to offer him one.
In addition to the right-handed Gregg, who was the Marlins' closer until the final month last season, Chicago also has a talented setup man in Carlos Marmol, who could close.
"We're just in a situation -- and Kerry fully understands -- that length of deal for the kind of salary that he could command right now is not our first priority," Hendry said during a conference call.
He said the Cubs need to finish their rotation -- they hope to bring back free-agent starter Ryan Dempster -- and add offense.
"We felt it was time Kerry goes out and does what is best for him and his family and get a huge multiyear deal, if possible," Hendry said. "This is really the right thing to do. We've had some really honest conversations in the last week. We don't have to get into how much I think of him, but at the same time I don't think we could do for him right now what he deserves and what I think he'll get going elsewhere."
Wood made an immediate impact as a rookie when he struck out 20 Houston Astros in his fifth major league start. He had four double-digit win seasons for the Cubs, but his career has been sidetracked by elbow and shoulder injuries.
When it appeared his career might near an end because of shoulder problems, Wood returned to the bullpen in August 2007 and pitched well. He then won the closer's job last spring and finished 2008 with the 34 saves in 40 chances, a 3.26 ERA and a 5-4 record.
In 10 seasons with the Cubs -- he missed 1999 after elbow ligament replacement surgery -- Wood compiled a 77-61 record with a 3.65 ERA and 1,407 strikeouts in 276 games. He also made 12 trips to the disabled list during the decade.
Gregg was acquired for minor league pitcher Jose Ceda.
Bothered by a sore left knee, Gregg finished 7-8 with a 3.41 ERA and 29 save. His nine blown saves tied for most in the majors.
Hendry said Gregg had knee surgery, will begin throwing in January and will be ready for spring training.
"My surgery I had was kind of a maintenance issue," Gregg said in a conference call.
