John Mabry agreed Wednesday [12/07/05] to a one-year contract with the Chicago Cubs worth $1,075,000.

The 35-year-old batted .240 with 24 extra-base hits and 32 RBIs in 112 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

"I feel great," Mabry said, "excited to join the Cubs and excited about changes they're making, excited about being in the Central and challenging for the Central division title."

Mabry's signing came on a day in which the Cubs landed leadoff hitter Juan Pierre in a trade with the Florida Marlins. The Cubs bolstered their bullpen last month, signing right-hander Bobby Howry and lefty Scott Eyre.

Mabry appeared in 49 games in right field (25 starts), 23 in left (12 starts), 18 at third base (12 starts) and 14 at first last season (five starts) -- his 12th in the majors. He batted .265 in 34 pinch-hit at-bats.

The Cubs are his seventh team.

"The criteria that I look for when signing with a team is: No. 1, a chance to win; No. 2, playing time; and No. 3 convenience for my family," Mabry said during a telephone conference call. "The Cubs fit all three of those criteria. If this team stays healthy, their potential is unlimited."

Mabry said the San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets and Baltimore Orioles were interested.