Zambrano, Cubs strike one-year deal

MESA, Ariz. -- Carlos Zambrano and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $12.4 million, one-year contract Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration by striking the deal just before the scheduled hearing.

He also would earn bonuses for finishing among the top five in Cy Young Award voting, being named MVP of the World Series and League Championship Series, making the All-Star game, winning the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger award.

Zambrano earned $6.5 million last season while going 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 strikeouts. He asked for $15.5 million in arbitration, while the Cubs countered at $11,025,000 -- more than any player has been awarded.

"I feel good, ready to go," Zambrano said. "I'm ready to lead this team to the championship, to win in this city. The fans deserve us to go to the playoffs and to win for the city of Chicago. I'm here for that."

The Cubs have not been to the playoffs since 2003, when they were within five outs of reaching the World Series. Their last arbitration hearing was with Mark Grace in 1993.

-- AP