Yesterday, the Cubs agreed to a one-year, $1.4M contract with RHP Kyle Farnsworth. On January 20th, the arbitration-eligible Farnsworth formally requested $1.7M while Chicago offered $1.1M. However, the two sides reached an agreement before their scheduled arbitration hearing on February 16th, which maintains the Cubs perfect record of avoiding such proceedings under Andy MacPhail.

RHP Joe Borowski will remain the Cubs' closer while Farnsworth and free agent addition RHP LaTroy Hawkins serve as his right-handed setup men. In 2003, a healthy and focused Farnsworth rebounded from his troubled 2002 season. Farnsworth's strikeout rate rose, and he posted a career high 1.53 G-F. His control could still use some improvement, so the 27-year-old may experience a hike in his ERA if he receives poor support from the Chicago defense.

Last week, the Cubs signed RHP Hector Carrasco and OF-R Calvin Murray to minor league contracts. Carrasco missed the 2002 season as a result of a partially torn rotator cuff, but he found a place with the Orioles in 2003, splitting the season between Baltimore and AAA Ottawa in the International League. The 34-year-old can strike out batters and keep the ball on the ground, but he struggles with his walk rate. Carrasco will compete for a place in the Cubs' bullpen in spring training, however given the competition I expect him to open the season at AAA Iowa in the Pacific Coast League. While Chicago possesses considerable pitching depth, his major league service will earn Carrasco consideration for a mid-season call-up as an injury replacement if he's pitching well at AAA.

Murray spent last season with the Dodgers' AAA PCL affiliate at Las Vegas, where he hit .260 with a .322 OBP and .385 SLG on 81 H, 18 2B, 6 3B, and 3 HR with a 27:50 BB:K and 13/17 SB% in 312 AB. The Cubs will enter the season with OF-L Tom Goodwin and OF-L Todd Hollandsworth serving as their reserve outfielders. While Murray offers decent speed, the 32-year-old easily could spend the entire season at AAA Iowa, since if Chicago needs an injury replacement, the Cubs already possess on their 40-man roster three alternatives in OF-L Nic Jackson, OF-R Dave Kelton, and OF-S Jose Macias.