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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:51 a.m., Monday, February 2, 2009

MLB: Cubs make separate deals with Orioles, A's

Associated Press

CHICAGO — The Cubs traded right-handed reliever Michael Wuertz to the Oakland Athletics for a pair of minor leaguers Monday and sent left-hander Rich Hill, their starter in Game 3 of the playoffs two years ago, to the Baltimore Orioles for a player to be named.

In the Oakland deal, the Cubs received outfielder Rich Robnett and infielder Justin Sellers.

Robnett, a first-round pick of the Athletics in 2004, has played five seasons in Oakland's minor league system, reaching Triple-A. He played in only 82 games last season after having a tumor removed from his stomach. He his a .256 hitter in the minors.

Sellers has played four minor leagues seasons in the Athletics' system, alternating between shortstop and second base.

Wuertz was 13-7 with one save and a 3.57 ERA in 265 relief appearances in all or part of five seasons with the Cubs. He was 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 45 relief appearances last season for Chicago and also pitched at Triple-A Iowa.

Hill was 1-0 with a 4.12 ERA in five starts with the Cubs last season. He was optioned to Triple-A Iowa on May 3 and struggled after his demotion. He went a combined 4-7 with a 5.85 ERA in 13 appearances at Iowa, Class A Daytona and rookie level Mesa.

The 28-year-old is 18-17 with a 4.37 ERA in 64 appearances during four seasons with the Cubs, including 11-8 with a 3.92 ERA in a career-high 32 starts during 2007. He started Game 3 of the NLDS against the Diamondbacks.

Baltimore designated left-hander Brian Burres for assignment to clear a roster spot. The Orioles have 10 days to release Burres, trade him or send him outright to the minors.