Hawkins signs with Cubs for 3-year deal

CHICAGO -- Scratch that right-handed setup man off the Chicago Cubs' wish list.\nThe Cubs confirmed Wednesday they'd agreed to terms with free agent LaTroy Hawkins. The deal, which includes a player option for 2006, guarantees the pitcher $11 million over three years.\nHawkins, who turns 31 later this month, was 9-3 with a 1.86 ERA in 77 1-3 innings for the Minnesota Twins. He had 75 strikeouts, and didn't allow a run over 20 games from July 31 to Sept. 14.\nHawkins was especially impressive in the opener of the playoffs against the New York Yankees, striking out four over two innings and getting the victory.\nHawkins was converted to a reliever in 2000, when the Twins made him their closer. He was moved to the setup role before the 2002 season, and is 15-3 with a 2.00 ERA in 139 games since then.\n"We were certainly hoping to bring him back," Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Tuesday night after being told Hawkins had signed with the Cubs.\n"Obviously, he got security. It sounds like he got dollars. I could never fault a player for taking a deal that sets him up. I feel horrible about losing him. But I'm satisfied he's going to a place he wants to be. Unfortunately, it's not here."\nThe deal also puts Hawkins, a native of Gary, Ind., closer to home and gives him a chance to play for Dusty Baker.\nBolstering the bullpen was high on the list of priorities for Cubs general manager Jim Hendry this offseason. Cubs relievers were 20-19 with a 4.16 ERA, 16th in the majors.\nJoe Borowski was a pleasant surprise, calmly filling the closer's role when Antonio Alfonseca got hurt in spring training and finishing with 33 saves. Left-hander Mike Remlinger is solid, and Kyle Farnsworth is one of the hardest-throwing pitchers in the NL.\nBut the rest of the bullpen was shaky. Alfonseca never got back on track after coming back, and Dave Veres and Mark Guthrie weren't very effective. All three are free agents.\nHawkins gets a $2 million signing bonus, $4 million next year and $3.5 million in 2005, and he has a $3.5 million option for 2006.\nHe can earn an additional $150,000 per season based on appearances: $50,000 each for 60, 65 and 70 games.\nHawkins would have a chance to earn $1.3 million more annually if he becomes Chicago's closer. He would get $50,000 each for 20 and 25 games finished; $100,000 for 30; $150,000 each for 35, 40 and 45; $200,000 each for 50 and 55; and $250,000 for 60.