Michael Wuertz

Organization Prospect Rankings

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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #18 prospect in 2005
  Will Ohman wasn't the only bullpen revelation for the Cubs last year. Wuertz had trouble coming up with a changeup to get lefthanders out as a starter, and he was quickly becoming an afterthought when he stalled in Triple-A. When he moved to relief in the middle of the 2003 season, his stuff surged; his fastball went from 87-88 mph to 91-93 with a peak of 95. His slider went from fringy to a plus pitch at times, though it's still inconsistent. He made such an impression in spring training that he won a spot on Chicago's Opening Day roster. Wuertz still has to spot his pitches well to succeed, but he has better command than Jon Leicester and Todd Wellemeyer, who also are trying to establish themselves in the big league bullpen. They'll be Wuertz' chief competition.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #28 prospect in 2002
  Wuertz' won-loss record in Double-A was deceiving. His 27 outings included 15 quality starts--in which he went 4-0 with 11 no-decisions. However, a lack of run support wasn't the only reason for his disappointing season. His velocity was down for much of 2001, as he worked at 88-90 mph after throwing 90-93 while helping Daytona win the Florida State League championship the year before. His slider is a solid second pitch, but he needs to get the juice back on his fastball. He also must keep improving his changeup and his location within the strike zone. The Cubs praise his competitive nature and he's extremely durable, having made 97 straight starts in four years as a pro. Wuertz didn't make the 40-man roster this winter, and now projects as a fourth or fifth starter at best unless his fastball returns. He'll probably move up to Triple-A to start 2002.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #16 prospect in 2001
  Despite Weurtz' lackluster performance at Lansing in 1999, his first full pro season, the Cubs still believed he was a sleeper. He proved that assessment correct last year, when he ranked second in the Florida State League in victories. He won seven of his last eight regular season decisions, then earned a 10-strikeout victory in the opener of the playoff finals, spurring Daytona to the championship. Wuertz has two promising pitches, a 90-93 mph fastball and a slider. He also throws a changeup. He's a tough competitor and generally throws strikes. He projects as a No. 3 or 4 starter in the majors, and will pitch in Double-A in 2001.
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  Ranked Chicago Cubs #15 prospect in 1999