Kerry Wood said he doesn’t want to be one of those closers who makes a theatrical entrance with rock music blaring over the loudspeakers. “I don’t think Wrigley is that type of ballpark,” Wood said. “I could probably find one or two Pearl Jam songs. And I like AC/DC. I think ‘Thunderstruck’ would probably be a good one. But it probably won’t happen.”
Baltimore President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail said a Brian Roberts deal with the Cubs is likely off the table. The Cubs offered a four-player package, but the Orioles thought Roberts was worth more. If a deal doesn’t happen before Opening Day, trade talks will likely be shelved until July at the earliest.
Sports Illustrated picks the Cubs to win the National League pennant.
To observe the Cubs’ 100th season since its last championship, ESPN Zone is searching the Chicago area for centenarians to join them for an April 13 complimentary party event.
CUBS 7, ANGELS 5
The Cubs pounded 13 hits and pulled to .500 with only one loss in their last seven games. Carlos Zambrano allowed four runs on four hits over four innings. Kerry Wood threw 1 2/3 scoreless innings and Carmen Pignatiello earned his second save with a scoreless ninth.
Up next
vs. Milwaukee in MesaThursday: 2:05 p.m., WGN
The Sox are asking Nick Swisher to become their leadoff batter and regular center fielder while Jerry Owens recovers from a right-groin tear, manager Ozzie Guillen announced Wednesday. 2B Pablo Ozuna will remain the leadoff batter for Monday’s opener at Cleveland because of his success against starter C.C. Sabathia, with either Alexei Ramirez or Brian Anderson starting in center field.
BREWERS 12, SOX 10
The Sox tagged Milwaukee ace Ben Sheets for nine runs in five innings with a four-homer attack. Jim Thome hit two home runs, Alexei Ramirez hit an opposite-field grand slam and A.J. Pierzynski hit his first homer of the spring.
Up next
vs. Arizona in TucsonThursday: 2:05 p.m., CSN
BLUE JACKETS 4, BLACKHAWKS 0
The Hawks’ postseason dreams suffered a blow. The defeat kept the Hawks six points out of the eighth and final Western Conference playoff spot; they must win the rest of their games simply to have a chance.
