Michael Wuertz

A former stalwart out of the A's bullpen as recently as 2009, Wuertz pitched poorly in 2011 and was released in the offseason. He'll have to settle for a minor league deal with an invite to spring training in all likelihood. In order to return to a big league bullpen, Wuertz will have to rediscover his control after his walk rate swelled to 6.95 BB/9IP over his 39 appearances with Oakland last season.

Wuertz got a late start to the season as he was limited in the spring with a sore shoulder and began the year on the DL. His control waned, walking just two fewer batters in nearly 40 fewer innings from the year prior, though he did manage to pick up six saves when Andrew Bailey was sidelined. He pitched better as the season wore on, but his true value lies somewhere between his solid 2009 season and his decent 2010 campaign. He could post another 60-strikeout effort out of the A's bullpen in a full season, including the occasional save.

Wuertz posted an excellent season in late relief for the A's, racking up 102 strikeouts and a 0.953 WHIP in 78.2 innings, after being acquired in February from the Cubs. Of particular note is that he nearly doubled his strikeout rate (6.04 K/9IP in 2008 to 11.67 in 2009). Wuertz provided stability in the late innings, finishing with 23 holds and four saves, so he'll likely serve as the primary setup man to closer Andrew Bailey. The A's have the makings of a really solid bullpen, and Wuertz is no exception.

After several seasons of striking out more than a batter an inning, Wuertz regressed last year, fanning just 30 in 44.2 and walking 20 batters. As a result, he was optioned to Triple-A in July. Wuertz should compete for a middle-relief role again this spring.

For the fourth straight year, Wuertz struck out more than a batter an inning at the major-league level. Wuertz walks a few more hitters than we'd like, and his ground-ball rate's just average, but on balance he's a reliable middle reliever.

Wuertz pitched well both at Triple-A and for the Cubs last season, striking out more than a batter per inning and keeping the walks reasonably in check. He has a good chance to win one of the last bullpen spots of out camp.

With a slider, a changeup and a fastball that ranges from 91 to 93 mph, Wuertz pitched well for the Cubs last season, striking out more than a batter an inning and doing a decent job of keeping balls in the park. He could stand to cut down the walks, however. Expect Wuertz to fill a middle relief role once again in 2006.

Wuertz pitched exceptionally at Triple-A Iowa in 2004. He didn't fare quite as well in the majors, but it's not as though he was completely overmatched either. He'll have to keep the walks down but has a good chance to succeed in a middle relief role with the Cubs this season.