Sosa elects to remain with Cubs

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CHICAGO, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- The Chicago Cubs are recovering from a heartbreaking loss in the NLC Series, but at least they do not have to worry about losing Sammy Sosa.

One of baseball's premier sluggers, Sosa announced on Friday that he will not opt out of the final two years of his four-year contract with the Cubs. He had until midnight Saturday to opt out of his deal and that netted him $16 million in 2004 and $18 million in 2005.

"I have said all along I wanted to remain a Cub forever," Sosa said. "We had such an exciting year in 2003, for both myself and for Cub fans everywhere. I am already looking forward to next season. I know with Dusty Baker as the manager and the direction our team is headed, it will be another exciting year."

The Cubs went from 67-95 in 2002 to 89 wins and a division title in 2003 -- Baker's first year.