MESA, Ariz. -- Kerry Wood was back in uniform as the Cubs held their first workouts of the spring with pitchers and catchers Tuesday, working with pitchers in a special instructor role.

``It's just the presence of those guys,'' manager Dale Sveum said of the value of having former players of that stature participate in camp. ``Sometimes a young player might listen to a Kerry Wood more than a Dale Sveum.''

Of course, any of those players who were on the team last year were teammates of the star-crossed former All-Star starter and closer, who retired during last season.

Wood's long-term role with the club is still being defined. For now, Sveum says, he expects Wood to help as an instructor during stretches this spring and even during the season.

``It gives him the opportunity, too, to get on this side of the wall and see if he enjoys this part of it,'' Sveum said, ``front office, development, whatever it might be.''