Is it possible Wood could return next year? It makes me sick to picture him in a different jersey.
-- Brandan H., Oak Lawn, Ill.

Anything is possible. Probable? No. The Cubs' decision to not re-sign Wood was based on several factors. Because of escalating salaries for other players with long-term contracts, because the more pressing needs are to complete the rotation and find a left-handed bat, and because the team's ownership situation is in flux, there wasn't the money in the budget for Wood, who probably deserves a multi-year deal but wouldn't get it from the Cubs.

I can't believe the Cubs got rid of Wood. I will miss him and miss seeing him in a Cubs jersey. I haven't been this upset about a player leaving since Ryne Sandberg retired. Please tell Kerry that Cubs nation will truly miss him both on and off the field. And when he pitches against us, I will stand and cheer for him because he's still a Cub to me.
-- Mark B., Rockford, Ill.

One of the nice things Wood said was that he will continue to call Chicago home. He'll be missed in the clubhouse as well as on the field.

I will never forget Wood's time with the team: the 20-strikeout game, the game-winning hit in '03, what he did in '03, period, the curveball to Prince Fielder to end a grueling at-bat. I feel you should have a segment where we can let Kerry know we won't forget him.
-- Ryan P., Bloomington, Ill.

Several fans have expressed their sentiments for Wood in the "Comments" section of last week's story on his departure. He knows. My favorite game, all-time, was May 6, 1998, when Kid K struck out 20.

Why would the Cubs want Johnson? At 45, he's broken down. I think you would want Wood even if for one more year to replace Bob Howry. It would be great to have Wood, [Carlos] Marmol and [Kevin] Gregg for the seventh, eighth, ninth innings. Let's get smart.
-- Ed W., Streamwood, Ill.

The first priority is to re-sign Ryan Dempster, who will be courted heavily and has to decide if he wants to be able to ride his bicycle to work or relocate and pitch for someone else. But if he is lured away by another team, and the Cubs cannot make a deal for Peavy, Johnson has to be considered. He does have a career 91-35 record in day games and did post a 2.41 ERA in the second half this season. He does know Lou Piniella, having pitched for him in Seattle. However, he is a fly-ball pitcher, which doesn't bode well for Wrigley Field.

Have a question about the Cubs? E-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. First Name, Last Initial: Hometown: Email Address: Question:

Is there any chance the Cubs will trade for Peavy? I keep hearing rumors that Peavy is interested in the Cubs, but it doesn't seem like the Cubs are interested in him at all, and I haven't heard any names the Cubs might be willing to trade for him. Peavy would sure look good in a Cubs uniform.
-- David C., Broken Arrow, Okla.

The problem in completing a deal is that the two teams don't seem to match up well as far as what the Padres want. The Padres are looking for first-tier players; the Cubs aren't eager to part with regulars. The two sides will continue to talk, but they may need to get a third team involved to get something done. Peavy's agent Barry Axelrod did give the Padres a list of five teams he's willing to go to, including the Cubs, Braves, Dodgers, Astros and Cardinals. Axelrod also said that list is "not cast in stone." The Braves have decided to "move on," GM Frank Wren said.

Piniella has talked about moving [Kosuke] Fukudome to center, which leaves right field vacant. He also said he'd like another left-handed bat for the middle of the lineup. Rumors have circulated about the Cubs looking at Raul Ibanez, Bobby Abreu and Adam Dunn. However, there seems to be no talk about Micah Hoffpauir. Shouldn't the Cubs stay in-house with right field and give Micah a chance to prove himself?
-- Steve M., Gurnee, Ill.

Hoffpauir is being considered, but he's probably not the best option defensively in right. You'll be hearing lots of rumors about which left-handed bat fits in the middle of the Cubs' lineup. Abreu, for instance, may be the right offensive type player, but he could be better suited for an American League team where he could DH. Ibanez is linked to Piniella, having played for him in Seattle. And Dunn is not exactly a Gold Glove-caliber right fielder. How much do you sacrifice defense for offense? That's a question Cubs GM Jim Hendry has to decide.

After seeing Geovany Soto win Rookie of the Year, it got me thinking. Will Jeff Samardzija be considered a rookie next year? I can't remember the rules.
-- Brandon W., West Monroe, La.

Yes, he will. Officially, Samardzija has 66 days of Major League service time. But he will still be a rookie in 2009, because that time includes the month of September. According to the Baseball Writers' Association of America, a player is a rookie unless he has exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or has accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League team during the 25-man limit that's in effect from Opening Day through Aug. 31. The answer was originally posted as saying Samardzija was not a rookie, but the Cubs' public relations people have set me straight.

When will the Cubs' Spring Training schedule be announced?
-- Brandon V., Portage, Ind.

Last year, the Cubs released the spring schedule on Nov. 19. I don't get a heads up but would expect it to be available soon.