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04/08/08 2:17 PM ET

Mailbag: Music for Wood's entrance

Beat reporter Carrie Muskat answers Cubs fans' questions

Kerry Wood celebrates a save during the first week of the 2008 regular season. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)
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The mailbag is back. Kerry Wood's entrance music, left-handed relief, Carlos Zambrano's cramps, final roster moves and the new Ernie Banks statue are among the topics in this week's edition.

I've got an idea -- or several -- for Kerry Wood's entrance. How about "No Chance" (Vince McMahon's entrance theme on the WWE shows) or Triple H's music?
-- Steven M., Lafayette, Ind.

I'm not sure if Wood is a WWE fan.

How about "Woodchoppers Ball" by Woody Herman? It's probably too old to suit most.
-- Paul E., Huntsville, Ala.

My husband knew that tune. It's kind of catchy.

If the Cubs are looking for a song for Wood's entrance into a game, how about playing "Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen?
-- John F., Melbourne, Fla.

I also received a suggestion from Denny K. to use "Knock on Wood" by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones. I'm going to let Wood and the Cubs' marketing department figure this one out. Wood says he's indifferent, but he did not pick AC/DC's "T.N.T.," which was played in his first two appearances. On Saturday, Wood entered to "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns 'N Roses, and he picked up his second save.

With Scott Eyre slowly recovering from his injury, aren't the Cubs a little nervous to have only one southpaw in the bullpen? And, to make things worse, he's a rookie. Where are the Cubbies going to go in a tough game down the stretch against a tough lefty (say Milwaukee's Prince Fielder) if Carmen Pignatiello falters and Eyre doesn't make a strong comeback this season?
-- Steve B., Kensington, Md.

Cubs manager Lou Piniella was ready to break camp with one left-hander, and that would've been Eyre. That's because the club's right-handed relievers have done well against lefty batters. Last season, left-handed hitters batted .192 against Bob Howry, .209 against Carlos Marmol and .238 against Michael Wuertz. It's early, and in talking to Eyre in Arizona, he didn't want to rush back and was looking ahead to the "stretch run."

After Zambrano exited on Opening Day with forearm cramps, both he and Piniella downplayed the seriousness of the injury. Why is it that every time Zambrano leaves a game early, everyone makes it sound like it's the first time this has happened? I remember him exiting several games last year with arm cramps, and before that he missed games because of carpal tunnel syndrome. Is there something seriously wrong with Zambrano's arm?
-- Adam B., Chicago

There's nothing seriously wrong. The Cubs have tested Zambrano, they've talked to him and they've hid the Red Bull. The problem is too much caffeine and dehydration, and lately he's been seen drinking lots of water.

I've noticed this every year since I can remember. Is there any specific reason the Cubs, and I believe all Major League teams, play on Opening Day and then take the next day off?
-- Daniel I., Oswego, Ill.

The off-day is in case Opening Day has to be postponed because of the weather. It gives teams an immediate makeup date. It also gives players on the home team a chance to unpack.

Have a question about the Cubs?
Carrie MuskatE-mail your query to MLB.com Cubs beat reporter Carrie Muskat for possible inclusion in a future Inbox column. Letters may be edited for brevity, length and/or content.
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Question:

I'm still confused about why Matt Murton is not on the roster after batting .348 this spring. What's so special about Reed Johnson? Why couldn't Murton play center field? Does Johnson really possess that much more speed than Murton? I'm confused.
-- Phil C., Hendersonville, N.C.

Yes, Johnson is faster than Murton, and he can play all three outfield positions. If the Cubs carried 11 pitchers -- not 12 -- then Murton would've made the Opening Day roster. They just didn't have room.

Why wasn't Micah Hoffpauir on the Opening Day roster? He was killing the ball in Spring Training. Couldn't he be a huge player coming off the bench?
-- Tyler F., Beebeetown, Iowa

Yes, but he's in the same predicament as Murton. Johnson is the only backup available for center field; Ronny Cedeno was out of options; Mike Fontenot can play second, shortstop and third, if needed; and Daryle Ward is an exceptional pinch-hitter who can sub at first base or the corner outfield spots. Unfortunately, Hoffpauir now is sidelined with a strained oblique, which he injured in an exhibition game last Tuesday before the Triple-A season began.

What happened to the Cubs' "notes" pieces? They were my favorite articles to read. Thanks.
-- Brian D., Buffalo, N.Y.

We've tweaked our format, and we're breaking off what previously were notes as separate stories. The items that were included in "Extra bases" now are in the previews. Also, what was previously called "Minor matters" in the Cubs notebook now is in a "Cubs Daily Minor League Roundup." Scroll down on cubs.com to "News & Notes," and you'll see a headline in the features section for the Minor League roundup. Click on that for the latest game results.

I've heard that Geovany Soto qualifies for Rookie of the Year voting. What about Kosuke Fukudome?
-- Neil C., Deltona, Fla.

Yes, Fukudome is a rookie.

Do you know if the Cubs are going to offer a replica of the Ernie Banks statue, and perhaps one signed by Mr. Cub for the public to purchase? I had tears Monday watching Mr. Cub. In my youth, I enjoyed many moments from the Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo era. Those were special times, especially the 1969 team.
-- Bob G., Chicago

You can find information on purchasing a replica Ernie Banks statue on cubs.com. I don't believe autographed statues are available.

I purchased two brick pavers, and I've received the replicas and a certificate with the number. How do I find the brick at the park? Is there a locator director or something? I've been writing to the Cubs for weeks, and no one has gotten back to me. Thanks for your help.
-- Karen K., Chicago

I'm told that you -- and others who purchased brick pavers -- should be getting a letter within the next two to three weeks to help you find your bricks.

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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