Cubs agree with Farnsworth, Patterson
CHICAGO (AP) -- The Chicago Cubs agreed to a $12 million, three-year contract Tuesday with catcher Michael Barrett and one-year deals with center fielder Corey Patterson and reliever Kyle Farnsworth.

The Cubs avoided arbitration with all three. Farnsworth got a raise from $1.4 million to $1,975,000. Patterson, who made $480,000 last season, received an increase to $2.8 million.

Barrett, who made $1.55 million last season, had asked for $3.9 million in arbitration while the Cubs offered $3 million before the multiyear deal was reached.

Two mil for Farnsie? *scratches head*. The biggies are coming up-

The Cubs also exchanged figures with two other arbitration-eligible players, third baseman Aramis Ramirez and starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano.

Let's nail these two down right now with long term contracts. They will be vital to long term success.