Cubs avoid arbitration with Gregg

[Destined]

<!--quoteo(post=12630:date=Jan 20 2009, 04:37 PM:name=Coldneck)-->QUOTE (Coldneck @ Jan 20 2009, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=12621:date=Jan 20 2009, 07:14 PM:name=Ace)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Ace @ Jan 20 2009, 07:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=12615:date=Jan 20 2009, 06:49 PM:name=Kid)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Kid @ Jan 20 2009, 06:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo(post=12613:date=Jan 20 2009, 06:45 PM:name=Clapp)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Clapp @ Jan 20 2009, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec--><!--quoteo--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE <!--quotec-->The Cubs avoided arbitration with their final eligible player today, finalizing a one-year, $1.1 million deal with reliever Michael Wuertz.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->
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That surprises me, given that Wuertz - after almost 4 full seasons in the majors - spent a lot, if not most, of last year in the minors. Over $1 million is surprising and I'd have almost guessed they'd have non-tendered him.
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I think he gets traded before the season starts. He's a relative bargain, doesn't have a future with the Cubs, and we're overloaded with righty relievers.
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I actually think Wuertz can be valuable. he goes on streaks where he is pretty unhittable. He has a filthy sinker thank he throws that can force guys to hit in double plays. That said, he also go through stretches where he completely sucks.
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If Wuertz can get his slider breaking right, he's amazing. But that's rare, since ironically he's a "slider specialist."