Zambrano, Cubs agree on contract

Carlos Zambrano and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $12.4 million, one-year contract Tuesday, avoiding salary arbitration by striking the deal just before the scheduled hearing.

He would also earn bonuses for finishing among the top five in Cy Young Award voting, being named MVP of the World Series and League Championship Series, making the All-Star game, winning the Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger award.

Zambrano earned $6.5 million last season while going 16-7 with a 3.41 ERA and 210 strikeouts. He asked for $15.5 million in arbitration, while the Cubs countered at $11,025,000.

“I feel good, ready to go,” Zambrano said.

Williams nixes offer

Bernie Williams rejected the New York Yankees’ offer of a minor league contract and will wait to see if a guaranteed job opens up for him on the team.

Williams signed with the Yankees in 1985 and came up to the major league team in 1991.

Leyland responds

Detroit manager Jim Leyland fired back at former Tiger Dmitri Young, saying Young was “totally out of line” for accusing the team of unfairly cutting ties with him.

“I’m not looking to have a bone to pick with anybody, but knowing what went on last year, for Dmitri to criticize the organization for lack of support I think is totally out of line,” Leyland said.

Young hit .250 with seven home runs in 48 games with the Tigers before being let go in September.

Clearing the bases

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher and broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, 78, was released from a Sarasota, Fla., hospital and began treatment for a recurrence of cancer. … The Los Angeles Dodgers picked right-hander Derek Lowe to start on opening day. … Washington Nationals closer Chad Cordero and San Diego Padres second baseman Todd Walker went to salary arbitration in the final hearings of the year. … Chicago White Sox third baseman Joe Crede insists he’s under no restrictions at spring training after deciding to undergo an extensive back rehab program instead of having surgery.