CHICAGO - Penn alumnus Mark DeRosa became the first major-league free agent to switch teams this offseason, agreeing Tuesday to a $13 million, three-year contract with the Chicago Cubs.
A nine-year veteran who played for the Quakers from 1994-96, winning an Ivy title in 1995, he is expected to be the Cubs' everyday second baseman next season. The 31-year-old batted a career-high .296 with 13 homers and a career-best 74 RBIs last season for the Texas Rangers, appearing at six positions and starting at all four infield spots.
"They deserve a winner. Chicago deserves a winner," DeRosa said during a conference call. "Hopefully, I can come in there and provide leadership in the clubhouse and be a character guy and command respect."
DeRosa moved from third base to shortstop while at Penn and has seen most of his major-league action at second.
Drafted by the Braves in 1996, he has appeared in 595 major-league games with Atlanta and Texas. Although the Cubs were an NL-worst 66-96 last season, DeRosa asked, "Why wouldn't I want to come to Chicago?"
- Compiled from staff and wire reports
