Will Cubs Knock On Wood?

With the impending return to the starting rotation by Carlos Zambrano, the Cubs will be left with a gigantic void to fill in their bullpen.

I suspect that left-hander Tom Gorzelanny will shift to the bullpen, leaving Lou Piniella with few right-handed relief options other than Carlos Marmol.

Has Piniella vowed not to shave until substantial reinforcements arrive?

Jim Hendry hasn't made it a secret that he is seeking right-handed relievers, but it appears that few will be available as the July 31 trade deadline approaches. Hendry's already pulled Bob Howry off the scrap heap. Could the return of Kerry Wood be next?

Wood missed the first month of the season because of a back strain and has been awful, exhibiting poor command and getting hit hard since his return to the active roster on May 8. Wood earned his first save of the season Sunday, but entered the day having allowed a whopping eight earned runs, eight hits, and five walks in 4 1/3 innings.

The Tribune's Phil Rogers speculates in his Sunday column that Wood's stock has plummeted so far that he is now untradeable and may soon be released.

Hendry, I suppose, also was considering bringing back Mark Prior until the cursed right-hander's latest mishap. Poor Prior continues to experience Cubbie Occurences even though it's been almost four years since he's pitched for the North Siders.