WOODY K'S 12; IGNITES HOPE

Yes it was only a Class A game. But Kerry Wood dominated in his first minor league rehab start. He struck out 12 and threw 70 pitches, 51 of them for strikes. His velocity was reported to reach 97 MPH.

So the Cubs, losers of 8 of 9, and their fans should be excited because if he comes back it will improve their chances of getting to the postseason, right? NO. We should be excited because if he comes back and does well Jim Hendry can actually get something for him by the end of July. If he does exceedingly well maybe Hendry can package Jacque Jones with him and get something good in return.

I was optimistic that Jones would be a solid veteran presence, a fundamentally sound player and a good left-handed bat in the lineup. It seems that he has been the antithesis of that through these first 2 months. I gave Hendry kudos for the move and realize how wrong I was to do so. His value over replacement likely won't be worth 15 million over 3 years.

So some playoff-bound team with some cash can get a left-handed bat with playoff experience and a flamethrower who will be a free agent next year. Perhaps the Cubs could receive some solid youngsters in return.