CHICAGO (AP) – Glendon Rusch agreed to a two-year contract with the Chicago Cubs on Saturday after becoming a key spot starter last season following a 1-12 record with Milwaukee in 2003.

The left-hander was a pivotal starter and reliever for the Cubs. He went 6-2 with a career-low 3.47 ERA in 32 appearances, 16 from the bullpen and 16 as a fill-in starter, especially when Kerry Wood was injured. After signing with the Cubs as a free agent, Rusch was called up from Triple-A Iowa and went 4-2 with a 3.50 ERA.

He limited left-handed hitters to a .225 average. Rusch also showed some power from the plate, leading all Cubs pitchers with two home runs.

Rusch has pitched in the majors for Kansas City (1997-99), the New York Mets (1999-01) and Milwaukee (2002-03). He has a 48-78 career record with a 4.93 ERA in 225 games, including 183 starts. He was drafted in the 17th round by Kansas City in 1993.

AP-ES-11-20-04 1351EST