The Cubs avoided arbitration with both 3B-R Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Zambrano last week. Ramirez signed a one-year, $8.95M contract. When teams and players exchanged arbitration figures, Chicago offered $8M while Ramirez requested $10.25M. The Cubs plan to try to complete a multi-year deal with Ramirez in the near future, but the team wanted to put something in place now in order to avert an unpleasant arbitration hearing. Ramirez possesses solid plate discipline and exceptional power, making the 26-year-old a valuable resource worthy of an extended commitment.

Chicago agreed to a one-year, $3.76M contract with Zambrano. When the two sides exchanged arbitration figures, the Cubs offered $3.3M while Zambrano requested $4M. While his walk rate remains somewhat elevated, Zambrano posts impressive strikeout rates and does an excellent job of keeping the ball on the ground. Due to the heavy workload Chicago has placed on him, the 23-year-old appears at risk for injury trouble. However, until injury strikes, he should remain an effective pitcher for the Cubs provided their defense does not fall apart.