CHICAGO ? (AP) ? Mark DeRosa became the first major league free agent to switch teams this offseason, agreeing Tuesday to a $13 million,three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.

 

A nine-year veteran, he is expected to be the Cubs' every day second baseman. The 31-year-old batted a career-high .296 with 13 homers and a career-high 74 RBIs last season for the Texas Rangers, while appearing at six positions and starting at all four infield spots. He can also play the outfield.

 

Drafted by the Braves in 1996, he has appeared in 595 major league games with Atlanta and Texas.

 

Chicago earlier re-signed third baseman Aramis Ramirez and pitchers Kerry Wood and Wade Miller.

wow..I never thought DeRosa would turn out to be more than a subpar bench player.

Nice cheap signing, great move by the Cubs. Quietly, this can turn out to be a steal, mark my words. May seem like nothing now, but watch!

That's a lot of money for DeRosa. This really is going to be a ridiculous repeat of 2000.

didnt know he had such good numbers last year

 

eh good for him

Just had a career year, early 30's, plays multiple positions, can't hit, no power, overpaid, makes up for not walking by striking out a lot. Perfect fit for the Cubbies.