Cubs agree to terms with pitcher

Don't look for any salary-arbitration hearings with the Cubs this winter.

General manager Jim Hendry took a big step Tuesday toward ensuring that won't happen when he agreed to terms with pitchers Matt Garza, Sean Marshall and Tom Gorzelanny, who is in the process of being traded to Washington.

Although closer Carlos Marmol filed for arbitration, Cubs insiders appeared confident the two sides will agree to terms before a hearing can take place next month. Marmol is seeking $5.65 million, while the Cubs are offering $4.1 million.

Either figure would be a nice raise from the $2.125 million Marmol made last year. It's possible the Cubs and Marmol soon could agree on a one-year deal or a multiyear contract.

The Cubs also made official their one-year, $3 million deal with catcher Geovany Soto, who also avoided salary arbitration.

Gorzelanny, who will take a physical exam Wednesday in Washington, received $2.1 million, a raise from the $800,000 he made with the Cubs last year.

If Gorzelanny passes the physical, the two teams will make official a deal that will send the left-hander to the Nationals for three minor-league prospects. Washington would then pay the pitcher's salary.

Garza, whom the Cubs obtained in a trade with Tampa Bay earlier this month, agreed to a one-year deal worth $5.95 million, up from the $$3.35 million he made last year.

Marshall, who has a home in the north suburbs, gets a two-year contract worth $4.7 million. He'll earn $1.6 million this year and $3.1 million in 2012.

He starred in a setup role last year, going 7-5 with a 2.65 ERA while giving up 58 hits and striking out 90 in 74 innings. That came after he lost out in spring training for a spot in the rotation.

“I enjoyed last year a lot,” Marshall said last week on the Cubs' winter caravan. “I was in one role. I was able to pitch on a regular basis and stay sharp. I pitched in some tight games. I really enjoyed it.

“I love playing here in Chicago. I love the Cubs. I love the staff of the Cubs. I hope they feel that way about me, too. I'm looking forward to going to Arizona early and start training with some of the guys there.”

Marmol saved 38 games in 43 chances last year while striking out 138 in 77 innings. That figures to 15.99 strikeouts per 9 innings, a major-league record for relievers.

The Cubs went from 1993 until last year between arbitration hearings. Hendry bested infielder Ryan Theriot in a hearing last February.