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 MESA, Ariz. (AP) - Kerry Wood once struck out 20 batters. Now, he'll finish off opponents. As expected, the Chicago Cubs made Wood their closer on Monday, and Jason Marquis got the nod as the fifth starter.
"I appreciate the fact that I've been given another chance to get out there and play the game I love," Wood said. "I'm going to take full advantage of it."
Converted to a reliever last season to preserve his troublesome right arm and shoulder, the oft-injured Wood entered spring training in a three-way competition after the Cubs moved former closer Ryan Dempster to the rotation. Manager Lou Piniella chose Wood over Bob Howry and Carlos Marmol because he values durability in his setup men and believes closing will put less stress on the right-hander's arm.
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