ON THE SIDELINES : Williams Signs 1-Year Cub Pact

Left-handed relief ace Mitch Williams today signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs, thereby avoiding arbitration.

Williams had been scheduled for arbitration Wednesday.

The Cubs refused to reveal the terms of the contract, but Williams--who helped the team win the National League East last year with 36 saves--had asked for $1.4 million. The Cubs initially offered $850,000.

That leaves shortstop Shawon Dunston as the only Cub player still up for arbitration. Dunston has asked for $1.25 million, and the Cubs have offered $925,000. He is scheduled for arbitration Friday.