The Cubs signed catcher Michael Barrett to a three-year,
$12 million contract Tuesday, avoiding arbitration and preventing Barrett from becoming a free agent next winter.
Barrett hit .287 with the Cubs in 2004, setting career highs in home runs (16), RBIs (65) and triples (six) while playing in 130 games. The previous season he hit .208 with 10 homers and 30 RBIs in 70 games with Montreal.
“I don’t think anybody didn’t feel like Michael didn’t have an outstanding season until the last couple weeks,” Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.
In rewarding Barrett with a three-year deal, Hendry hoped to squelch speculation the Cubs weren’t completely sold on his defense or his pitch selection. Veteran Henry Blanco was signed in December as a backup and to catch Greg Maddux, who prefers a defensive-minded batterymate.
“Michael has made a lot progress,” Hendry said. “To me, it’s a real good situation with Michael and Henry.”
The Cubs also avoided arbitration with Corey Patterson and Kyle Farnsworth, while continuing to work on a one-year deal for Carlos Zambrano and a multiyear pact for Aramis Ramirez. Patterson signed for $2.8 million, a $2.36 million raise from 2004, while Farnsworth signed for $1.975 million, a $575,000 raise.
In arbitration figures filed Tuesday, Zambrano asked for a $3.52 million raise to $4 million in 2005, while the Cubs offered $3.3 million. Ramirez, who made $6 million in ’04, asked for $10.25 million, while the Cubs offered $8 million. Both are expected to split the difference and take one-year deals.
Hendry also took a “solid gamble” on reliever Scott Williamson, signing the 28-year-old right-hander to a minor-league deal for the minimum salary of $316,000, or $500,000 if he’s called up.
