Jim Young/AP Photos
Kerry Wood remembers former Cubs general manager Jim Hendry coming to him during the 2003 season about acquiring Aramis Ramirez from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Wood had a simple retort when asked about Ramirez.
“I said we should probably get him yesterday,” said Wood. “[Ramirez] is probably the best third base we’ve had since [Hall of Famer] Ron Santo.”
Ramirez — along with outfielder Kenny Lofton — was traded midway through the 2003 season that saw the team reach the National League Championship Series.