Cubs, Floyd closing in on contract

Cliff Floyd and the Chicago Cubs are nearing agreement on a one-year contract, a deal that may include an option for 2008 that the outfielder can control.

Floyd, who was born in Chicago, is likely to make a decision this week. Several AL West teams and Pittsburgh also have shown interest in the 34-year-old left-handed hitter -- Pirates manager Jim Tracy managed Floyd at Double-A.

Limited to 332 at-bats last year with the New York Mets because of an injured Achilles' tendon, Floyd likely would be a backup with Chicago. Alfonso Soriano probably will wind up in center, with Matt Murton in left and Jacque Jones in right.