Just heard on WGN that Holly was signed to a 1 year, $900,000 deal
with the Cubs and because Moises Alous is heading to the Giants
Holly may be moved over to left. Now this makes it a very Happy New
Year, :) I can't wait for baseball to start!!! Take care guys and I
hope everybody had a Happy Holidays and has a Happy New Year.
__________________________________________________________________

Hollandsworth, Cubs agree to terms
By Carrie Muskat / MLB.com


During the month of June, Todd Hollandsworth was 25-for-76 (.329)
with three doubles, two triples, two homers and 11 RBIs. (Pat
Sullivan/AP)



CHICAGO -- When Todd Hollandsworth was leaving church Friday on
Christmas Eve, he got a call from his agent. It seemed an odd time
to call, but it turned out to be one of his best Christmas presents.
The Cubs and Hollandsworth agreed to a one-year, $900,000 contract
for 2005, which was announced on Monday. There are incentives that
could boost his base to $1.2 million. Hollandsworth had been
eligible for salary arbitration.

"Everyone who saw Todd play knew he was a tremendous asset to the
club," Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said.

Hollandsworth was a key part of the Cubs last season, and started 26
games in right when Sammy Sosa was injured. But Hollandsworth missed
the last three months because of a severe leg injury. In 57 games,
he batted .318 with six doubles, two triples, eight homers and 22
RBIs.

Hollandsworth fouled a ball off his right shin on June 27 and did
not return to action the rest of the season. He not only had a
bruised shin, but suffered a stress fracture as well. He was missed.
During the month of June, Hollandsworth was 25-for-76 (.329) with
three doubles, two triples, two homers and 11 RBIs.



Todd Hollandsworth / LF
Born: 04/20/73
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 215 lbs
Bats: L / Throws: L

More info:
Player page
Stats | Splits
Gallery
Team Site



He's now running about four miles a day, and eager for the 2005
season to start.
"There's no problems with my leg, none whatsoever," he said
Monday. "I'm fine. I've been fine for six weeks. I've put it through
a bunch of tests and we've passed everything."

He was the team's most effective pinch-hitter. Hollandsworth
batted .563 off the bench, going 9-for-16 with two doubles, two
homers and four RBIs. The rest of the Cubs pinch-hitters hit .212
(45-for-212).

The Cubs do have an opening for a full-time outfielder with the
departure of Moises Alou, who signed with San Francisco.
Hollandsworth wants regular playing time.

"I had a good long talk with Dusty (Baker, Cubs manager) before
Christmas," Hollandsworth said. "I'm going to get a lot of playing
time. I have to be ready in case something might happen."





Complete coverage >
What might happen is that the Cubs could deal Sosa this off-season,
which would create two openings in the outfield. The Cubs do have
youngsters Jason Dubois and David Kelton waiting in the wings in the
organization.

"We have four outfielders going into camp that I'm comfortable with
with Sammy (Sosa) in right, Corey (Patterson) in center and
Hollandsworth," Hendry said. "And we have Dubois who deserves a
chance to be introduced to the big leagues after all he's done in
the minors and the Arizona Fall League and winter ball."

"I'm hoping and praying that's the way this plays out,"
Hollandsworth said about starting full-time. "I'm also not going to
fool myself and say, 'This is the way it's going to be.' My mindset
is I'm going to get every opportunity in the world to play for the
Cubs."

Hollandsworth signed with the Cubs as a free agent after playing for
the World Series-champion Florida Marlins in 2003. He has played
with Los Angeles (1995-2000), Colorado (2000-2002), Texas (2002) and
Florida (2003).

"We're excited and happy to be back," said Hollandsworth, who
definitely enjoyed a merry holiday because of the news. "Everything
turned out perfect in the end."


Carrie Muskat is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject
to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.