EDISON, NJ – Former Rutgers baseball standout Bobby Brownlie (Edison, NJ) has agreed to terms with the Chicago Cubs on a contract that will mark the beginning of a highly-anticipated professional baseball career. Brownlie, the Cubs' first-round draft pick (21st overall) last June, will end 273-day period of negotation by signing a contract that includes a $2.5 million signing bonus, plus other incentives.

Brownlie will fly to Mesa, AZ on Monday afternoon to meet with his agent, Scott Boras, and Cubs staff to put the finishing touches on a contract that will earn him the highest bonus in the history of the BIG EAST baseball conference. After undergoing a mandatory physical, Brownlie will begin his first spring training on Tuesday as a member of the Chicago Cubs organization. He will work out with the minor leaguers in preparation for the 2003 campaign.

"I am very happy with the way things worked out and I am definitely ready to get back to being a baseball player," said Brownlie. "I am looking forward to being back in competition and working out with the Cubs. This is an exciting time for myself and my family."

Brownlie was Rutgers' first, first-round draft pick since Jeff Torborg in 1963 and ended his RU career with a 22-10 record, including a 10-1 mark as a freshman in 2000. His professional stock grew following successful summers in the Cape Cod League (2000) and with Team USA (2002).