12/17 Wood, Hendry & pizza

Cubs GM Jim Hendry and Kerry Wood may have finalized their agreement over pizza at a charity event one week ago in Chicago. Both attended Ryan Dempster’s fundraiser at D’Agostino’s, a restaurant near Wrigley Field, and had a chance to chat. The two had also attended Ron Santo’s funeral earlier in the day. Wood, whom the Cubs selected in the first round of the 1995 Draft, has made Chicago his offseason home, and ignored other multi-year deals so he could do what’s best for his family. He has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Cubs, who needed an experienced right-handed set-up pitcher. It’s not exactly Andre Dawson handing the team a blank check, which the Hall of Famer did prior to the 1987 season, but it’s close. Expect an official announcement Friday re: Wood.

– Carrie Muskat