Wood brings Indians relief

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) — During their closer’s search, the Cleveland Indians analyzed phone book-thick volumes of statistical analysis on pitchers of varying shapes and sizes. They dissected resumes, poured over pitching charts, examined medical reports and scrutinized ERAs, walks-per-inning ratios and more.

For manager Eric Wedge, there are only a few traits worth considering.

“Thick skin and broad shoulders,” he said. “An aura.”

Kerry Wood has them all.

Signed to a two-year, $20.5 million contract in December, Wood, who spent 14 years in the Chicago Cubs’ organization, has made a seamless transition to the Indians, who were desperate to find someone to get the final three outs after finishing with the fewest saves (31) in the AL last season.

“Kerry has fit right in,” said Wedge. “Without a doubt, he’s a leadership personality. He has a strong persona. He carries himself with a great deal of confidence. You can tell those people who are comfortable in their own skin. Along with that comes presence. You love that with anybody, but particularly in the back end of your bullpen.”

Wood is already making his mark with the Indians.

With his blue Indians cap turned backward, the 31-year-old clutched a coffee cup in his right hand as he strolled through Cleveland’s clubhouse on Thursday morning. As he walked by, several minor leaguers turned their heads and watched as the imposing 6-foot-5 flame-thrower headed toward the door.

This is a man who demands attention. Always has.

Wood was just 20 when he struck out 20 Houston Astros in his fifth major league start, a once-in-a-generation performance that helped earn him NL Rookie of the Year honors in 1998. But as quickly as his star rose, it faded.

He underwent Tommy John surgery and missed all of 1999. Wood won 38 games from 2001-03, but he was always battling shoulder and arm injuries and made 12 trips to the disabled list in 11 seasons.

His baseball life at a crossroads, the Cubs moved him into the bullpen late in 2007.

“I had conceded the fact that I wouldn’t be starting anymore,” Wood said. “I didn’t think my body could handle that work load. I looked at it as something that could revive my career and keep me in the game a little longer.

“And on top of all of that, it’s pretty fun coming in late in the game.”