Cubs deal Farnsworth to Tigers for Novoa, minor leaguers

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs traded right-handed reliever Kyle Farnsworth and a player to be named to the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday for pitcher Roberto Novoa and two minor leaguers.

Farnsworth, whose fastball has been clocked at 100 mph, was 4-5 with a 4.73 ERA last season for Chicago. He struck out 78 batters in 66 2/3 innings.

"Kyle Farnsworth is an established major-league relief pitcher," Tigers president Dave Dombrowski said in a statement. "He can pitch in many roles out of our bullpen and is a quality addition to our pitching staff."

In six seasons with the Cubs, the 28-year-old Farnsworth went 22-37 with a 4.78 ERA.

Last month Farnsworth avoided arbitration and signed a one year contract for $1.975 million, a raise from $1.4 million a year ago.

Farnsworth was also the target of Wrigley Field boo birds last season when he struggled, and his frustrations boiled over after a 15-7 loss to Houston in late August when he gave up six runs in the ninth inning.

He threw his glove in the stands as he departed and then kicked an electric fan in the runway between the dugout and clubhouse. The next day he was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a sprained and bruised right knee.

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry did not immediately return phone calls from the Associated Press. He told the Cubs website that a change of scenery might help the inconsistent Farnsworth.

"He certainly had his moments when he could pitch very well. Maybe the consistency will be better for him in another location," Hendry said.

The deal came a week after the Cubs sent Sammy Sosa to the Baltimore Orioles for Jerry Hairston Jr. and two prospects.

Novoa split time between Detroit and Double-A Erie in 2004. In 16 games with the Tigers, the right-hander was 1-1 with a 5.57 ERA.

Chicago also picked up third baseman Scott Moore and outfielder Bo Flowers in the trade.

Moore hit .223 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI in 118 games at Class A Lakeland last season. Flowers played the majority of the season at Class A Oneonta, hitting .280 with four home runs and 26 RBI in 66 games.