Cubs agree to terms with Rusch

11/20/2004 1:17 PM ET

Chicago Cubs Media Relations Office

The Chicago Cubs today agreed to terms with pitcher GLENDON RUSCH on a two-year contract for the 2005-2006 campaigns. Financial terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Rusch, 30, had some of his greatest success in 2004, posting a career-low 3.47 ERA as he split time between the bullpen and the starting rotation. The southpaw:

was equally effective starting and relieving - recording a 3.50 ERA as a starter and a 3.38 ERA when he pitched out of the bullpen.

worked 2.0 or more innings in 10 of his 16 relief outings - including a season-high 5.1-inning stint July 15 vs. Milwaukee (the longest by a Cub reliever since 2000).

went 4-2 as a starter while tossing at least 6.0 innings in 10 of his 16 starts.

limited left-handed batters to a .225 average.

converted both of his save opportunities.

The left-hander led all Cub pitchers with two home runs, going deep June 7 (vs. St. Louis) off Chris Carpenter and September 29 (vs. Cincinnati) off Luke Hudson.

Rusch opened the season at Iowa (AAA), where he went 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA in four starts. He was recalled April 30 and made his Cub debut May 4, working 2.1 innings of relief. Rusch earned his first win in a Cub uniform in his next appearance (May 9 vs. Colorado), allowing just 1 walk over 2.0 innings.

In addition to the Cubs, Rusch has pitched in the majors for Kansas City (1997-1999), the New York Mets (1999-2001) and Milwaukee (2002-2003). He began his professional career in 1993 after being drafted by the Royals in the 17th round. He signed with the Cubs as a free agent in April 2004.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

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