"We did all of our medical due diligence," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "There's always going to be some risk involved. But we're encouraged by what we saw in his medicals, and by how he adapted to the role of closer last year."

With the Cubs in 2008, in his first season as a closer, Wood finished tied for fourth in the National League with 34 saves (in 40 opportunities). He had a record of 5-4 with a 3.25 ERA, and he averaged more than a strikeout per inning.

Wood said the Indians' aggressive pursuit of him as a free agent was a factor in his decision to sign.

"They came at me hard from day one," said Wood. "I liked the situation in Cleveland. They have great talent, it's a great town with great fans and a beautiful stadium."

--Manager Eric Wedge said the addition of free agent RHP Kerry Wood as the Indians' closer brings some much needed stability to the back of the bullpen.

"You can't put a value on what it (having a dependable closer) means," said Wedge.

The addition of Wood means LHP Rafael Perez, RHP Jensen Lewis, RHP Rafael Betancourt, RHP Masa Kobayashi and RHP Joe Smith are all available as setup men on a give night.

"We have a nice mix with all those guys, and I'm not sure we'll even have a designated eighth-inning guy," Wedge said. "All of them may get a chance to be in that role."

--OF Matt LaPorta, the top prospect the Indians received from Milwaukee in the trade of CC Sabathia, is expected to start the 2009 season at Class AAA Columbus, but LaPorta could be just a phone call away from Cleveland.

"He could fill a role for us in left field, first base, or designated hitter," general manager Mark Shapiro said. "His bat is capable fitting in any of those spots."

--RHP Jake Westbrook continues to make excellent progress in his rehab from Tommy John surgery June 12. The Indians are hoping to have Westbrook back sometime around the All-Star break in 2009.

"We're not counting on him coming out of spring training, but we do feel he could join us at midseason and give our staff a big boost," general manager Mark Shapiro said.

--SS Jhonny Peralta continues to play some third base in winter ball in the Dominican Republic. Moving Peralta to third base is an option for the Indians if they can acquire another middle infielder to plug in at shortstop or second base.

"Jhonny has made it clear to us that he's most comfortable playing shortstop, but it will come down to who we might be able to acquire and what's best for the team," general manager Mark Shapiro said.

BY THE NUMBERS: 56 -- Games finished in 2008 by RHP Kerry Wood, signed by the Indians to a two-year, $20.5 million contract, which includes an option for 2011 which vests if Wood finishes 55 games in either 2009 or 2010.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Pitching in the ninth inning isn't pressure. Pressure is being hurt and not knowing if you're ever going to pitch again." -- RHP Kerry Wood, signed as a free agent to be the Indians' new closer, on his long history of injuries.