The Cubs appear ready to head to spring training, but they've tied up a few last-minute details and still are being talked about in the trade and international free-agent markets.

Their biggest order of business was avoiding salary arbitration with ace starting pitcher Matt Garza, agreeing on a one-year deal worth $9.5 million with performance-based incentives.

The Cubs had offered $7.95 million while Garza was seeking $12.5 million. Cooler heads prevailed in the end.

The Cubs also were reported to have agreed to terms with Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion on a multiyear deal worth at least $7 million. Team officials did not comment at week's end.

It appeared a deal was well on its way to being completed, pending a physical exam and the completion of...