Cubs sign Korean pitcher Chang-Yong Lim

The Chicago Cubs have agreed to sign South Korean closer Chang-Yong Lim to what is reported to be a two-year contract, according to Reuters:

South Korean closer Lim Chang-Yong is set to sign a deal with the Cubs, though the sidearm pitcher is unlikely to be able to take the mound again until late next season…

"I want to play the kind of baseball that I'm known for, and give the fans enjoyment," said Lim, adding that the deal was worth up to $5 million over two years.

The 36-year-old right-hander underwent his second Tommy John surgery in July and may not be able to pitch until 2014, but the KBO and NPB veteran is hoping to return to the mound towards the end of next year.

The two-year deal with the Cubs is believed to be a split contract, according to Yonhap News, meaning the right-hander can make up to $5 million if he makes the major-league club, but will earn a much lower salary if he is unable to pitch his way out of the minors.

The hard-throwing right-hander spent the last five seasons closing for the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, where he posted a 2.09 ERA and 8.9 K/9 rate in 233 innings of work. Lim has racked up 296 saves during his 18-year career in Korea and Japan.