Cubs Notes: Jason Jaramillo Signed, Payroll Estimates, Cespedes Rumors

The Chicago Cubs have signed Jason Jaramillo to a minor league deal to compete for the backup catcher spot on the club, according to Carrie Muskat of MLB.com.

In other Cubbie news we have arbitration numbers, an estimated 2012 payroll, some Cespedes rumors from earlier today, and if you're into front office shenanigans, news that Bud Selig will indeed be reviewing the Epstein/Red Sox compensation nonsense:

• Cubs sign Jason Jaramillo - Muskat Ramblings
  "A second-round pick of the Phillies, Jaramillo, 29, was bothered last season by an elbow injury. He’ll compete with Welington Castillo and Steve Clevenger for the backup catcher’s job on the Cubs."
• Avoiding Arbitration: NL Central - MLB Daily Dish
  The Chicago Cubs and catcher Geovany Soto have agreed to a one-year, $4.3 million contract, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.

• Cubs Estimated 2012 Payroll - Bleed Cubbie Blue
  "The Cubs signed a number of arbitration-eligible players on Tuesday. That allows us to estimate their 2012 player payroll."

• Yoenis Cespedes Says That Chicago Cubs Lead Pursuit - MLB Daily Dish
  "Cuban outfielder Yoenis Cespedes told reporters in the Dominican Republic that the Chicago Cubs are currently the leading suitors in the chase for his services, as reported by ESPN Chicago. Cespedes is considered one of the top players left on the market, but he noted that the Cubs' heavy interest doesn't mean he'll sign there."
• Theo Epstein Compensation on Bud Selig's Desk - MLB Daily Dish
  "Gordon Wittenmeyer from the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the compensation to the Boston Red Sox for executive Theo Epstein is now in the hands of MLB commissioner Bud Selig. The Red Sox requested this to be the case in late December. In October, the Chicago Cubs hired Epstein to be their president of baseball operations and since then, the two teams have not been able to come to an agreement on what Boston should get in return."