Cubs Over the Hill, but Weurtz Over

By Benjy Lipsman in News on Feb 3, 2009 4:40PM

Continuing to re-work their roster ahead of the start of Spring Training in two weeks, the Cubs traded away two once promising pitchers in separate deals on Monday. The team announced that they traded the once promising lefty Rich Hill to Baltimore in return for a player to be named later. And to think it was only two years ago, the Cubs considered Hill to be one of their few untouchable pieces after he went 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA in '07. But then he lost his ability to throw strikes, which is apparently important when one's a pitcher, and spent the bulk of 2008 in the minors.

In a deal with the Oakland A's, the Cubs sent Michael Weurtz packing in return for two minor leaguers -- outfielder Richie Robnett and infielder Justin Sellers. Weurtz has also had a roller coaster career in his time with the Cubs and his chances of making the Cubs roster after Spring training was iffy at best.

While GM Jim Hendry has been busy retooling the team this off-season, don't think he's done yet. If past years are any indicator, Hendry will work well into the spring before the team's final pieces fall into place.

Jeff Roberson, AP Photo