Cubs, Carlos Marmol avoid arbitration...

The Cubs signed closer Carlos Marmol to a one-year, $2.125 million contract, avoiding arbitration. Marmol made $575,000 in 2009 and was asking for $2.5 million while the Cubs offered him $1.75 million.

Marmol became the closer in mid-August, after newly acquired Kevin Gregg failed to convert numerous save opportunities. He finished 11-for-11 in save opportunities, but struggled with his control all year, walking close to a man an inning, 65 in 74 innings. Still, he was virtually unhittable, as hitters hit only .170 against him.