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After 13 years that ran the gamut from unbridled enthusiasm to abject despair, Kerry Wood and the Cubs had a chance to part ways and start fresh. It would have made sense on either side. The countless injuries and lost opportunities would have given the Cubs a reason to say that they wanted to look elsewhere while Wood could have unburdened himself from the decade of history that followed his every trip to the mound. When push came to shove, though, they realized that they just weren't ready to walk away from a long relationship.

Wood signed a one-year deal, worth $4 million according to MLB Trade Rumors, and will return to his role as a set-up man. He's passing up longer term deals with other teams for another chance on the North Side. I think it's a good move on both sides. Wood increased his velocity all season and was throwing quite hard in October and is a useful weapon out of Lou Piniella's bullpen. He could even replace Ryan Dempster as the team's closer if he's healthy.

As always, that's the rub when you're discussing Kerry Wood. The only physical tool he's ever lacked was the one that allows you to stay in one piece. The Cubs aren't on the hook for much time or money, so if he can't they can just move on this time next year. If he does make it through the whole summer, though, you've got the makings of a great story.