Cubs To Keep Ward

CHICAGO (AP) -- Daryle Ward will be back with the Cubs next season. He and the team have exercised a $1.2 million mutual option for the 2008 campaign.<br/><br/>But, Chicago is declining options on outfielder

Saturday, November 3rd 2007, 3:16 pm

By: News On 6

CHICAGO (AP) -- Daryle Ward will be back with the Cubs next season. He and the team have exercised a $1.2 million mutual option for the 2008 campaign.

But, Chicago is declining options on outfielder Cliff Floyd and pitcher Steve Trachsel.

The lefty-swinging Ward batted .327 in 79 games last season after signing as a free agent. He led the team with 54 pinch-hit appearances and went 11-for-41 for a .268 average.

Daryle Ward's 33 pinch hits the past two seasons rank second in the majors behind Orlando Palmeiro's 35.

Cliff Floyd hit .284 with nine home runs and 45 RBIs in his first season with the Cubs. He made 63 appearances in right field and 17 in left. His option was for $5 million.

Steve Trachsel, who was acquired in a trade with Baltimore on August 31st, was 1-and-3 with an 8.31 ERA in four starts for the Cubs. His option was for $4.75 million. He gets a $100,000 buyout.