Cubs reward Ryan Sweeney
The Cubs went with a three-man outfield rotation in left and center field late in the season, with rookie Junior Lake and journeymen Ryan Sweeney and Brian Bogusevic.
They seemed to like Sweeney's left-handed bat and athleticism enough to reward him with a new two-year contract.
The Cubs have not announced the deal, but club sources confirmedthat Sweeney has received a deal worth a guaranteed $3.5 million The 28-year-old left-handed hitter will get $1.5 million over the next two seasons. There is a $2.5 million club option for 2016, or the Cubs can give Sweeney a $500,000 buyout.
Sweeney was the White Sox' second-round draft pick in 2003. The Cubs signed him as a free agent last April 2 after the Boston Red Sox released him at the end of spring training.
In 70 games for the Cubs, Sweeney had a hitting line of .266/.324/.448 with 6 home runs and 19 RBI. The Cubs selected Sweeney from their Class AAA Iowa affiliate May 6. He spent two months on the disabled list from July to September with a cracked rib but came back and played 26 games over the final month.