But when you sign a pitcher to 4 or more years aren’t you always taking a chance on being stuck with someone who doesn’t perform? Gallen has been better than all those pitchers, with the possible exception of Steele. If the Cubs believe whatever issues Gallen has last year they can fix, why wouldn’t they give him a 4 year deal? And, if they don’t want to deal with a one year opt out, that is what the have to do. Or make a trade.