Wood, the high school phenom, was drafted per Cubs in the number 1 circular (Quaternary overall) of the 1995 Amateur Draft. The very much-hyped prospect within the minor leagues, he mass produced his MLB debut in 1998. He lost there are no period showing the world his talent when in sole his fifth career begin in May 6, 1998 he hurled a a single-hit 20-strikeout skunk against a Houston Astros (which tied a Major League record for individual stake strikeouts), which is referred to as one of a better games ever dig in MLB history.

Wood finished a 1998 year using a 13-6 record, & despite missing a survive year of the year by using elbow soreness, well won the National League Rookie of the Year award. Wood did link to to pitch a single game in a playoffs that season against the Atlanta Braves, but suffered a loss. That would become his previous appearance inside the Cubs uniform for to a higher degree a year. Around spring step by step videos of 1999, Wood underwent Tommy John surgery to repair damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. Giving around 2000 Wood struggled to an 8-7 record before giving to form inside 2001. Since so Wood has matured, existence selected as an a lot-star around 2003.

Known for his upper-90s hummer & his ability for strikeouts, he has teamed by owning fellow right hander Mark Prior to form a One-Two punch that led a Cubs to the 2003 NLCS which they wasted inside sevener games (in spectacular fashion) to the eventual World Series champion Florida Marlins.

a 2004 year was a trying 1 for Wood & the Cubs. Featured on the handle of Sports Illustrated for a baseball preview issue (the attendant text predicted the Cubs would win the World Series), Wood went good 8-9, & was sidelined for about 2 months by having a strained bicep. Critics would harp on the fact that Wood never has won supplementary than Fourteen games within the year.

a Cubs led a Uncivilized Card race by deuce games using a week to last in the year, whilst the wheels come off in their year. A Cubs misplaced septenary of their endure nine games to finish 89-73, 2 games behind Houston.

Wood wasted deuce of victims games, including the Three-Two loss to Up to date York in Sept. Xxvi. Wood allowed triad diarrhea in the 1st frame prior to settling down for the next vi frame. He as well misused an Oct. One guide to Atlanta Five-Four, when weak-hitting Dewayne Wise and opposing starting pitcher Mike Hampton each hit two-start homers polish off of him. That loss pushed a Cubs to the brink of elimination.

Wood was besides associated sustaining a few locker room contention deuce years late once star perfect-fielder Sammy Sosa departed Wrigley Field 15 minutes into a Cubs' year finale. Many Cubs mate were angry by using Sosa for quitting in his mate, & an unidentified mate destroyed a star's stereo by owning the lumber. Speculation immediately centered on the hot-choleric Wood, likewise when 2nd-baseman Todd Walker. Two players own denied a allegation.

Imputable Wood's late injuries & a Cubs' struggles inside 2005, on August 31 Wood underwent season ending arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Timothy Kremcheck.

Wood is married to the previous Sarah Pates of Waukegan, Illinois.