Cubs Say Goodbye to Glendon Rusch

The Cubs announced they have released pitcher Glendon Rusch to make room on the 40-man roster for Cliff Floyd and Jeff Samardzjia. Rusch was scheduled to earn $3.25 million in 2007.

Although you’re not going to get any tearful goodbyes from me, there was a time when I was very high on Rusch. I thought he was a guy who could really contribute for the Cubs. And although he did have some bright moments for the Northsiders, I don’t think there are many fans who are sad to seem him go.

During a miserable 2006 season, Rusch was diagnosed with a blood clot that ended his season and required him to take blood thinning medications. While on the meds, Rusch is prohibited from playing for fear he’ll get hit with the ball or otherwise cut. The earliest he could have come back to play is in August or September, and there was some speculation that he was contemplating retirement.

Assuming no other MLB team picks Rusch up during the 2007 campaign, the Cubs will be on the hook for the entire amount of Rusch’s contract. If he is picked up, the team signing him will pay the league minimum and the Cubs will be responsible for the balance of the contract.