Cubs ink Borowski to two-year deal

01/15/2004 2:06 PM ET

Cubs ink Borowski to two-year deal

By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com

CHICAGO -- Joe Borowski finally feels secure.

The Chicago Cubs Thursday agreed to a two-year contract with their closer, who is coming off a season in which he established career highs in saves (33) and ERA (2.63).

"I wanted that sense of security, something I've never had in my career," said Borowski, who began his pro career in 1990 and has made stops with the Atlanta Braves, New York Yankees and even the Mexican League.

"Now that I have a family, knowing we have some sense of security, we'll be fine," he said Thursday. "It was never a worry but knowing I can go into the season thinking about what I have to do -- I don't have to worry about outside distractions."

One possible distraction is the addition of reliever LaTroy Hawkins, whom the Cubs signed this offseason. Hawkins was a closer for the Minnesota Twins but made it clear when he signed with Chicago that he did not intend to take Borowski's job.

"Like I've said in the past, I really don't care what I do," Borowski said about being the closer or the set-up guy in the Cubs' pen. "As long as this team wins, I don't care what I do."

Cubs manager Dusty Baker and pitching coach Admin Rothschild both called Borowski when the team signed Hawkins to assure him that his job was safe. With the contract, Borowski is even more at ease.

"If I take care of what I have to do, I'll be fine," he said.

Borowski will receive $2 million in 2004 and $2.3 million in 2005, although the base for the second year could escalate depending on the number of games finished. That's even more motivation to keep his job as closer.

The right-hander started 2003 with two career saves but took over the closer duties for Antonio Alfonseca, who was injured in Spring Training. Alfonseca never regained the job as Borowski converted his first six save opportunities.

Borowski, 32, finished the year 33-for-37 in save opportunities, and 14 of his saves came in games in which he entered with a one-run lead.

The Cubs avoided arbitration by agreeing to the contract with Borowski. General manager Jim Hendry also was trying to work out a multi-year deal with pitcher Kerry Wood by Spring Training.

The Cubs were still waiting for word Thursday from Scott Boras, who represents Greg Maddux, after making a two-year offer for the free agent pitcher.

Borowski's deal was announced on the eve of the weekend Cubs Convention, the fans' first chance to salute the defending National League Central Division champs.

"This offseason was a lot busier," said Borowski, who was busy making appearances. "It's like I haven't had a chance to rest and take everything in. The 2003 season sure beats the 2002 season by a long run."

Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to approval by Major League Baseball or its clubs.