Breaking News: Cubs Sign Carlos Pena

The Cubs have signed first baseman Carlos Pena to a one-year, $10 million year.

To help the payroll in 2011, the team will not pay Pena the final $5 million until January of 2012. Pena was offered multi-year deals elsewhere, but he says Chicago was his preference. He loves the city and thinks the team has a shot to win.

Carlos was irked by plantar fasciitis last season but is supposedly fully recovered. Time shall tell.

Notes on Carlos Pena:

• Bats/Throws: Left
• Position: First Base
• Birthday: May 17
• Age: 32
• Last Season's Number: 23 (that will have to change since it is retired for Ryne Sandberg)
• Previous Teams: Rays ('08-'10), Red Sox ('06), Tigers ('02-'05), A's (2002) and Rangers (2001).
• Drafted: By the Rangers in the first round (10th overall) of the 1998 draft.
• MLB Debut: September 5, 2001
• 2010 Stats: 144 games, .196 AVG, .325 OBP, 28 HR, 84 RBIs
• Career Stats: .244 AVG, .351 OBP, 28 HR, 84 RBIs

That's it for now, but I'll keep you posted!