Today the Chicago Cubs agreed to terms with relief pitcher Michael Wuertz for $1.1 million.

A fair price. Wuertz-chester sauce was 1-1 with a 3.63 ERA in 45 relief appearances for the Cubs last year, following up a 2-3, 3.48 ERA in 73 appearances in 2007. Plus he has been with the organization since he was drafted way back in 1997.

Also, by agreeing on Monday to a $4.2 million dollar deal with newly acquired Kevin Gregg, the Cubs avoided their first arbitration hearing since 1993. Here is the rundown of their entire history of arbitration, in which the team holds a 3-2 record:

* 1980, Bruce Sutter sought $700,000; Cubs offer $350,000. Sutter wins.
* 1985, Leon Durham asked for $1.1 million; Cubs offer $800,000. Cubs win.
* 1988, Andre Dawson asked for $2 million; Cubs offer $1.85 million. Cubs win.
* 1990, Shawon Dunston asked for $1.25 million; Cubs offer $925,000. Dunston wins.
* 1993, Mark Grace asked for $4.1 million; Cubs offer $3.1 million. Cubs win.

The next time Gracie was up for arbitration, the Cubs of course declined and he went on to sign a 2yr, $6 million contract with a $3 million third year option with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and then get him a ring.

Also it appears as though Chicago is really attempting to make Kosuke comfortable, as they agreed to terms with Japanese pitcher Ken Kadokura. Kadokura, 35, a right-hander, agreed to a Minor League contract with a non-roster invitation to Spring Training. He was a teammate of Kosuke’s in his lone Japan Series appearance, back in 1999 with Chunichi.

While the majority of moves the Cubs have made this offseason haven’t been flashy, or have been baffling to some, I will attempt to conspire as to the end result of Jimmy’s genius. Try and see the big picture Hendry may be looking at here. He wanted more lefties and flexibility in the lineup and he got it, all the while clearing cap room.

The Bradley deal is Cub friendly, especially with the injury clause. I know it was tough to let Woody go, but it saved money. It was a miracle Hendry got anything for Pie. And I know there is probably no truth in any of this, but it is no coincidence that the pitchers Hendry has acquired are ones San Diego were interested in.

Hope for Peavy lives on! And that may be a good thing considering the Sun-Times is reporting Rich Harden has a slight shoulder tear. Harden addressed this at the Cubs Convention saying “I’m on a set program, and I’m not behind at all. ‘I’m right on schedule and feeling great. I’ll be ready for the start of the season for sure. There’s no doubt in my mind. Nobody has any doubts whether I’ll be ready or not. I will.”

IF Hendry does get Peavy, he will have upgraded the starters significantly, added hitting with Bradley likely to outhit DeRosa and added some LH balance to the lineup. The bullpen has added experience, but takes a hit with Wood leaving. However, Marmol is ready and the overall impact will be small.

25 days until pitchers, catchers and the hobbled report!