1:05pm: Bruce Miles notes that Wuertz is out of options, and the Cubs saved over $2MM with their recent roster-cleaning. Meanwhile, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle talked to an NL advance scout for his opinion on Wuertz.
12:32pm: According to a press release from the Cubs, they’ve sent Wuertz to the A’s for minor leaguers Richie Robnett and Justin Sellers. Given all the additions to Oakland’s farm system, neither player ranked in their Baseball America top 30 list this year.
In BA’s 2008 Handbook, Robnett, a 25 year-old outfielder, ranked 15th among A’s prospects. He was said to have "huge raw power," but that hasn’t come through in his minor league numbers.
Sellers, a 23 year-old infielder, ranked 14th in the ’08 Handbook. He was described as "a solid-average defender who’ll hit at the bottom of a lineup."
12:18pm: According to Bruce Levine of ESPN Radio:
The Cubs continue to get inquiries regarding Michael Wuertz. I expect the team to trade him today or tomorrow, with Oakland the team most likely to send young players back to the Cubs.
Wuertz, 30, posted a 3.63 ERA in 44.6 innings for the Cubs this year with a 6.04 K/9. He’s signed at $1.1MM for ’09 and will eligible for free agency after the 2011 season.
