Wellemeyer older, wiser
June 1, 2005
BY MIKE KILEY Staff Reporter
LOS ANGELES -- The Cubs couldn't have traded setup man LaTroy Hawkins to the San Francisco Giants if right-handed relievers Michael Wuertz and Todd Wellemeyer hadn't convinced them that they were ready to be dependable major-leaguers.
"That helped, yeah,'' manager Dusty Baker said before the Cubs' game Tuesday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Wuertz has handled the setup role more frequently this season than Wellemeyer, but Wellemeyer got his chance in a 5-3 victory Monday against the Dodgers so Baker wouldn't have to use Wuertz for a third consecutive day. Wellemeyer allowed no hits and two walks in 1-2/3 innings and helped get the game to closer Ryan Dempster.
It's been fun to watch Wellemeyer and Wuertz become solid RP in the majors. I expected this from Wellemeyer but Wuertz has suprised me. I look forward to their increased role in the pen.