The Cubs made great strides this weekend in picking up right where they left off in 2006 with the re-signings of key free agents Aramis Ramirez and Kerry Wood. Both players helped pave the way for the club's 96-loss 2006 season and General Manager Jim Hendry has promised to bring back each player from last year.

"This is just the beginning," said Hendry. "We've got our sights on each remaining free agent from last year's team: Juan Pierre, Henry Blanco and John Mabry."

The club already re-signed Wade Miller, the former Astros star who has battled major arm injuries since 2004. Once Hendry locks up Pierre, Blanco and Mabry, he plans to sign every current Cub to a long-term deal.

Ramirez, who was Hendry's key building block in the 66-win 2006 campaign, was only a free agent this year because of an out clause in his existing contract. This time around Hendry promised to get more creative with contract clauses.

"I'm going to sprinkle in a 'Don't Suck' clause here and a 'Take the Occasional Walk' clause there," said Hendry. "Before you know it, we'll have a real-life team of Major Leaguers on our hands."

For his part, Wood's contract has several high-paying incentives, including $1 million for every inning pitched in 2007, which the Cubs anticipate will pay the hurler upward of $2 million.

By Brad Zibung