They say good things come in threes.
The Cubs better hope that’s true. They’re back to playing .500 ball with Houston running away with the National League wild card.
But hold on, reinforcements are on the way.
The spotlight during Friday’s series opener with the New York Mets will be on three returning Cubs: Nomar Garciaparra, Kerry Wood and Scott Williamson.
The trio was part of the reason the Cubs opted not to make any major acquisitions at the trading deadline. Garciaparra, a smooth-fielding shortstop, Wood, a hard-throwing newcomer to the bullpen, and the reliever Williamson–who’s just a newcomer to the Cubs, period–are expected to help the Cubs make a dent in the NL wild-card race.
As they rejoin the team at its most critical juncture, let’s take a closer look at the three key Cubs.
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Edited by Phillip Thompson (plthompson@tribune.com) and Chris Courtney (cdcourtney@tribune.com)
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NOMAR GARCIAPARRA
Shortstop
DISABLED LIST DEETS
April 21, hurt his left groin as he slipped while running out of the
batter’s box.
FOR THE RECORD …
Batted .157 with 4 RBIs after his last game, April 20. The Cubs are 8-7 in games Garciaparra played.
HE SAID IT
“The three of us just want to be back and be a part of it and hopefully help in any way possible. I think that’s our mentality.”
IN THE MINORS
Four games with the Double-A West Tenn Diamond Jaxx
KERRY WOOD
Pitcher
DISABLED LIST DEETS
July 20, inflammation in his right shoulder.
FOR THE RECORD …
Compiled a 4.67 ERA and a 3-3 record after his last game, July 20. The Cubs are 4-6 in games Wood has played.
HE SAID IT
“At this point, I just like being out there.”
IN THE MINORS
Two relief appearances with the Single-A Peoria Chiefs
SCOTT WILLIAMSON
Pitcher
DISABLED LIST DEETS
March 31, had ligament replacement surgery in his right elbow.
FOR THE RECORD …
Has not played for the Cubs this season.
HE SAID IT
“I hope they throw me right in the fire. I pitch my best in those kinds of games.”
IN THE MINORS
Six games with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs
