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Wire servicesGreg Maddux returns to the Cubs, his original team, 11 wins shy of 300 for his career.
MESA, Ariz. - Bringing his career full circle, Greg Maddux is back home with the Cubs.
Maddux signed a $24-million, three-year deal Wednesday, returning to the team that gave him his start in the big leagues. His return delighted Cubs fans, his new teammates and Maddux himself.
"It's a privilege to have the chance to come back and play in Chicago," Maddux said at an evening news conference. "I spent nine great years here when I first started, and I never forgot that. I'm just glad this day has come again where I have chance to come back and finish where I started."
He'll also have an opportunity to earn his 300th career win while wearing a Cubs uniform. He needs 11 to reach the mark.
PUJOLS WINDFALL: Slugger Albert Pujols and the Cardinals avoided arbitration in a big way, agreeing on a $100-million, seven-year contract, the Associated Press reported. Last season's NL MVP runner-up was scheduled for a hearing Friday.
DODGERS: Catcher Todd Hundley won't join pitchers and catchers when camp opens today after having a setback while recovering from a second surgery on a herniated disc.
GIANTS: Catcher A.J. Pierzynski beat the team in arbitration and will get $3.5-million this season instead of the team's offer of $2.25-million.
REDS: Centerfielder Ken Griffey reported to camp in Sarasota, getting an early start in hopes his season won't come to another premature end. Griffey dislocated his right shoulder while diving for a fly ball in the first week of last season, then returned and tore a tendon in his right ankle. "If I could just get through April or May, I'll be all right," Griffey said.
YANKEES: Third baseman Aaron Boone had reconstructive surgery on his left knee and could miss the season.