The Cubs Chronicle

The AP reports the Cubs signed Todd Hollandsworth to a one-year contract, avoiding arbitration. The salary is unknown as of now. MLB.com quotes Hollandsworth as saying about possibly playing full-time in 2005: “I’m hoping and praying that’s the way this plays out. I’m also not going to fool myself and say, ‘This is the way it’s going to be.’ My mindset is I’m going to get every opportunity in the world to play for the Cubs.”

Hollandsworth had an OPS 17% above league average last year in 167 plate appearances for the Cubs. He missed the final three months of the season with a stress fracture in his right leg. Hollandsworth has a career OPS .5% above league average.

UPDATE (10:10pm): Hollandsworth’s contract is for $900,000, and it could rise to $1.7M if incentives are met.