Wood returns to Cubs

Kerry Wood is returning to the Chicago Cubs, agreeing to a one-year, $1.5-million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press.

The person spoke yesterday on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not yet been announced.

Wood pitched for the Cubs from 1998-2008, winning NL Rookie of the Year that first season when he was a hard-throwing starter. He signed with the Indians as a free agent in Dec. 2008 and was traded from Cleveland to the Yankees last July. Wood became Mariano Rivera's primary setup man and was 2-0 with a 0.69 ERA in 24 appearances. Wood is expected to be a late-inning reliever and a bridge to closer Carlos Marmol.

Jenks joins Red Sox

Former Chicago White Sox closer Bobby Jenks has agreed to a two-year, $12-million contract with the Boston Red Sox, a person familiar with negotiations told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final. The agreement was first reported by ESPN.com. In addition, the Red Sox agreed to a one-year contract with righthanded reliever Matt Albers and sent utilityman Eric Patterson to the San Diego Padres to complete the trade for first baseman Adrian Gonzalez.

Willingham traded to A's

Outfielder Josh Willingham is heading to the Athletics, who sent two prospects to the Washington Nationals in a trade that gives Oakland a solid middle-of-the-order hitter. Willingham batted .268 with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs last season.

Tigers, Ordoñez agree

Magglio Ordoñez and the Tigers have agreed to a one-year, $10-million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal hadn't been announced, said the deal first reported by SI.com includes potential award bonuses.

Twins, Nishioka agree

A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that Japanese batting champion Tsuyoshi Nishioka and the Minnesota Twins have reached preliminary agreement on a three-year contract worth about $10 million, The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal was not yet final. The agreement was first reported by SI.com. - AP