The Chicago Cubs came to terms with 2 pitchers and 1 position player – avoiding salary arbitration in all 3 cases.

The Cubs signed a 1-year deal with outfielder Reed Johnson worth $3 million. He will play center field for the Cubs in 2009 – in a potential platoon with Kosuke Fukodome.

The Cubs signed a 1-year deal with pitcher Chad Gaudin worth $2 million. The Cubs acquired Gaudin from the A’s in the Rich Harden deal, and he pitched well for the Cubs before a back injury cut his season short.

The Cubs also signed a 1-year deal with pitcher Neal Cotts worth $1.1 million. He made 50 appearances for the Cubs in 2008 with a 4.39 ERA. He was a solid component of a good Cubs bullpen.

GM Hendry also announced that the Cubs would come to terms with 3-6 years players – Ronny Cedeno, Michael Wuertz and Kevin Gregg. Hendry has never gone to salary arbitration with any player while serving as the Cubs GM.