Rusch signs for two years

[love_that_reefer]

Versatile Chicago Cubs pitcher Glendon Rusch got a raise.

Rusch agreed to a $6 million, two-year contract with the Cubs on Monday, replacing a $2 million option he had for next season. The left-hander will get $2.75 million next season and $3.25 million in 2007, and he could earn up to $500,000 each season in performance bonuses.

"Glendon wanted to re-sign with them. He didn't want to go anywhere else," said Tommy Tanzer, Rusch's agent. "He loves pitching for Dusty, and [pitching coach Larry Rothschild] and [bullpen coach] Dick Pole, and he loves playing for Jim Hendry."

Rusch has been the ultimate utility player for the Cubs the last two years, moving back and forth between the bullpen and the starting rotation and giving the team flexibility when Kerry Wood and Mark Prior were hurt. He is 11-9 with a 3.94 ERA in 35 starts over the last two seasons, and 4-1 with two saves and a 4.30 ERA in 43 relief appearances.

I am sure a lot of teams were hoping the Cubs wouldn't resign him so they could have a quality lefty for cheap.

[Saber]

Good keep by the Cubs.

[rockin500]

i had heard last friday that this would likely get done sometime this week. He's turned his career around here in chicago and is a solid lefty in the starting role. changes speeds, goes inside, outside and up and down the zone. I hope they keep him as a starter, as he is much better suited there if you look at his numbers.

[awefullspellare]

Yea, same rotation as last year will work. If they stay healthy of course...