CHICAGO (Ticker) -- Gary Gaetti, who helped the Chicago Cubs to a playoff berth in 1998 before enduring a dismal 1999, was released today.

The Cubs placed the 41-year-old third baseman on waivers for the purpose of giving him his unconditional release, putting his future in the major leagues in jeopardy.

After helping Chicago capture the National League wild card in 1998, Gaetti signed a one-year, $2 million contract but his production diminished significantly.

In 113 games, Gaetti batted just .204 with nine homers and 46 RBI. He played in his 2,500th game September 23 against Pittsburgh before returning home to New Orleans to undergo left knee surgery.

A two-time All-Star and four-time Gold Glove winner, Gaetti homered in his first major league at-bat with the Minnesota Twins. He played nine seasons with the Twins, helping them to the 1987 World Series title and claiming the American League Championship Series MVP against Detroit.

Gaetti also played for California, Kansas City, St. Louis and Chicago. In 19 years, Gaetti is a .255 hitter with 360 home runs and 1,340 RBI.

In another move, the Cubs purchased the contract of lefthander Dan Serafini from Class AAA Iowa of the Pacific Coast League. Serafini was 3-2 with one save and a 6.93 ERA in 42 games for the Cubs last season.