This is the January 17, 2013 news archive. View today's NL Central news and rumors.

NL Central News and Rumors

Cubs, Garza settle with one-year, $10.25M deal

Jesse Rogers, ESPN.com

Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza has agreed to a one year deal worth $10.25 million, avoiding arbitration, according to a source familiar with the situation. Garza's agents from CAA also tweeted about the deal.

Associated Press, ESPN.com

Rick Ankiel and the Houston Astros have agreed to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training.

Associated Press, ESPN.com

Outfielder Carlos Gomez and the Milwaukee Brewers have agreed to a $4.3 million, one-year contract, more than doubling his salary.

Carrie Muskat, MLB.com

Cubs top prospect Javier Baez has been on the fast track, and on Thursday he completed one week of the team's first rookie development camp.

Adam McCalvy, MLB.com

The Brewers and center fielder Carlos Gomez avoided arbitration on Thursday by agreeing to a one-year contract, one day before teams and their arbitration-eligible players were set to formally exchange figures.

Carrie Muskat, MLB.com

The Ricketts family, owners of the Cubs, reportedly have signed an agreement to build a hotel across from Wrigley Field on the northwest corner of Clark and Addison streets.

Associated Press, ESPN.com

The Pittsburgh Pirates and right-handed pitcher Jeff Karstens have agreed to a one-year contract.

Tom Singer, MLB.com

The Pirates extended invitations to big league Spring Training camp to four players on Thursday, including top prospects Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon.