Zambrano Signs With Cubs Through '12

Cubs RHP Carlos Zambrano's long wait paid off. Zambrano agreed to a five-year, $91.5 million contract extension yesterday. The contract features a 2013 option that could make the deal worth $110.75 million over six seasons.

Zambrano skipped a shot at free agency and its lucrative payday to stay with the Cubs, the only team for which he has played.

"Not everything is about money, you know," Zambrano said. "I know if I got to free agency there were a lot of things that would come to me and offer me. I feel comfortable here. I feel good here, and my family feels good here."

Zambrano, 26, is a two-time all-star. He is 14-9 with a 3.86 ERA this season and 78-51 in his big league career. The deal's $18.3 million average annual value is the highest for a pitcher with a multiyear contract and No. 5 overall.

Zambrano had hoped to have a new deal in place by Opening Day.

He extended that deadline but contract talks stalled after Tribune Co., which owns the team, announced in April that it was selling itself for $8.2 billion to Chicago real estate mogul Sam Zell.

"We were within earshot of this thing . . . but due to the sale of the Tribune, it changed everything," said Zambrano's agent, Barry Praver. "The one thing that did remain constant was Carlos's burning desire to remain a Cub."

Said Cubs Manager Lou Piniella, "It's not too often that one player can play his whole career with one organization, and Carlos has a chance to do that."

· LINCECUM ON BEREAVEMENT: Giants RHP Tim Lincecum was placed on the bereavement list, a move that cleared the way for IF Rich Aurilia to return from the 15-day disabled list.

A member of Lincecum's family was ill, but the team hoped he would be able to return for his next scheduled start Tuesday against the Cubs. Lincecum is 7-3 with a 3.95 ERA.

-- From News Services