Chicago Cubs avoid arbitration and sign Aramis Ramirez to a $8.95 million

Needing to fill the void created by the departure of Sammy Sosa and Moises Alou, the Chicago Cubs avoid arbitration and sign Aramis Ramirez to a $8.95 million, one-year contract. Ramirez, who hit .318 with 36 home runs and 103 RBI in 2004, established club records for a third baseman.