Right-hander Mark Prior and the Cubs agreed on a one-year deal Wednesday and avoided salary arbitration.

The Chicago Cubs released left-handed pitcher Glendon Rusch on Thursday, after his 2006 season was cut short by a blood clot in his lung.

Jeff Samardzija had been projected as a low first-round pick in April's NFL draft, but the lure of playing for the Cubs led him to sign a five-year, $10 million deal.

Free agent Cliff Floyd agreed Wednesday to a $3 million, one-year contract with the Cubs after spending four seasons with the Mets.

The Cubs appear poised to sign veteran outfielder Cliff Floyd to a one-year contract.

Lou Piniella said that Alfonso Soriano could play centerfield for the Cubs this season.

Jim Hendry will meet with Zambrano's agent for the second time on Saturday, hoping to sign him to a multiyear deal before the end of March.

Jeff Samardzija, whom the Cubs selected in the fifth round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, will forgo the National Football League Draft and commit to a baseball career.

Jacque Jones still comes up in various trade rumors and if the Cubs decide to trade him before spring training, it probably will be with Pittsburgh.

Right-hander Jerome Williams and left-hander Brandon Claussen agreed to terms Friday with the Washington Nationals, who are desperate for pitching depth.

Left-hander Neal Cotts and the Chicago Cubs agreed Wednesday to an $825,000, one-year contract, six weeks after he was acquired in a trade from the White Sox.

As Jeff Samardzija's final game at Notre Dame approaches, the two-sport athlete is torn between playing professional football or baseball.

Alfonso Soriano is eager to begin his first season as a member of the Chicago Cubs.