>>Cubs Avoid Arbitration With Garza

(Chicago, IL)  --  The Chicago Cubs have avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year contract with pitcher Matt Garza.  The "Chicago Tribune" reports the deal is worth $9.5-million.  Garza had requested $12.5-million, while the club offered $7.95-million.  The 28-year-old right-hander went 10-and-10 with a career-best 3.32 ERA last season.  Garza is 52-and-54 with a 3.83 ERA in six seasons with the Twins, Rays and Cubs.

>>Report: Cubs Sign Cuban Lefty Concepcion

(Undated)  --  The Chicago Cubs have signed 18-year-old left-handed pitcher Gerardo Concepcion.  According to ESPNdeportesLosAngeles.com, the Northsiders reached a $7-million deal pending a physical with the Cuban defector.  Concepcion was the Rookie of the Year in the Cuban National Series in 2010-11 after recording a 10-and-3 mark with a 3.36 ERA in 21 outings.