'All systems are go' for Wood's return

If the Cubs need Kerry Wood to pitch against the Mets on Friday when he makes his much anticipated return from the disabled list, manager Lou Piniella won't hesitate to call down to the bullpen.

"Why not?" Piniella said Wednesday. "All systems are go."

Wood's successful rehab from a torn right rotator cuff continued Tuesday with another strong 1ˆ¿ innings for Class AA Tennessee.

The next game Wood pitches for the Cubs will be just his fifth in the last two seasons.

"I think he'll do a really nice job, I really do," Piniella said.

Wood said velocity-wise he is back throwing "92-93-94 (mph), somewhere in there." He added: "The ball feels like it's coming out of my hand good and my command has been pretty good so far."

Piniella sees the return of one of the most popular Cubs in recent history as being nothing but a positive for his team.

"I think it's going to be electric for the people here in Wrigley when he steps on the mound," Piniella said. "I look forward to seeing that myself."

Once the ace starter of the staff, the 30-year-old Wood only wants now to help the team in any small way possible as a relief pitcher.

"I don't know if I can affect (the pennant race) or not, but I can hopefully help us keep playing well," Wood said. "I just want to be a piece to the puzzle, and whatever Lou asks me, go out and do.

"The team has been playing real well and I just want to slide right in and go unnoticed and unseen and just help be a part of the winning process."

The plan is to use Wood in middle relief, to not pitch him more than an inning at a time right away and to watch his pitch count closely.

"Let's take baby steps first and get him out there and see how he's doing," Piniella said. "We'll get him some work, but keeping him healthy is what we have to concern ourselves with. We won't overuse him."

It might be a bit before Wood pitches in back-to-back games, although he feels he could do it.

"We tried to simulate every situation I might be in," Wood said. "I've gone back to back. I responded good to all that, so I should be ready to go."