Cubs Sign Gathwright to 1-year Deal

The Cubs signed a left-handed-hitting outfielder on Tuesday, but it's probably not who you expected.The Cubs picked up some speed when they signed outfielder Joey Gathright to a one-year, $800,000 contract. Gathright is not the big-bopper type outfielder Cubs manager Lou Piniella wanted for the middle of the order, but someone who will be handy during double switches, pinch-running, pinch-hitting and able to play all three outfield positions. He was non-tendered by the Kansas City Royals on Friday after batting .254 in 105 games this past season with no homers and 22 RBIs. Piniella knows him well. Gathright played for him in Tampa Bay and stole 20 bases in 2005. He swiped 22 total in 2006 with the Rays and Royals, but this season was bothered by a bone bruise in his right shoulder.