Eye surgery for Zambrano

Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano will have surgery before spring training begins, and that may knock him out of the World Baseball Classic.

Relax. Zambrano's right shoulder doesn't need repair.

It turns out Zambrano has had a little trouble seeing. As scary as that sounds for opposing batters, Zambrano has had enough, and he's going to have laser surgery on his right eye.

"My eye has been bothering me for a while," said Zambrano, who was supplanted by Ryan Dempster as the ace of the rotation last year. "I have to take care of that because I have to see the strike zone good."

Zambrano said he would welcome the chance to start on Opening Day again, even though previous season openers haven't gone well. He said part of the Cubs' training staff will visit him in Venezuela to help him with his shoulder routine. Zambrano had a pair of bouts with shoulder soreness in 2008. He said his off-season routine has been about the same as in recent years.

"This year, I will try to do the same and to take care of my arm and my shoulder, my body," he said. "I've been throwing since the first week of January. In fact, I have already thrown a bullpen session. Whatever happened last year was in the past. I have to work hard and keep myself in shape."

Cedeno and Taguchi: The Cubs and backup infielder Ronny Cedeno have agreed on a one-year deal worth $822,500, avoiding salary arbitration. The Cubs have two remaining players eligible for arbitration: relievers Kevin Gregg and Michael Wuertz. General manager Jim Hendry expressed optimism he could avoid hearings.

Hendry also confirmed the Cubs have signed veteran outfielder So Taguchi to a minor-league deal and invited him to spring training. Taguchi has little chance of making the big club, but he's insurance in case of injury.

Marmol ready: Manager Lou Piniella said Kevin Gregg and Carlos Marmol will compete to be the closer in the wake of Kerry Wood signing with Cleveland. Marmol, who was lights-out most of the year as a setup man, says he's ready.

"I know I can be whatever they put me in," said Marmol, who had 7 saves last year as a fill-in closer. "Whenever they give me the ball, I'm going to pitch."

Wood has said he knew last year that he'd likely not be back with the Cubs, who were not prepared to give him a multiyear deal. Marmol admitted Wood told him that, too.

Meeting Milton: Lou Piniella met his new right fielder, Milton Bradley Friday, giving him a hug and repeatedly patting him on the back and shoulders.

"I see he's a hands-on guy," Bradley said.