Union approves Sosa deal; Cubs close in on Burnitz

Sosa hit .253 last year, his lowest average since 1997, and had 35 homers and 80 RBI in 126 games. His 574 homers rank seventh on the career list.

While Cubs fans supported him after he used a corked bat in 2003, he was booed last year, when he had a back injury. Then he left the ballpark during the final regular-season game last October after the Cubs had blown a wild-card lead over the final week, and criticized manager Dusty Baker.

Sosa's first game back in Chicago with the Orioles would be on May 12, the start of a four-game series against the White Sox.

Searching for a replacement for Sosa's offense, Cubs general manager Jim Hendry has talked with Scott Boras, the agent for former White Sox outfielder Magglio Ordonez, and Howard Simon, the agent for Burnitz.

Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi said Monday that while Toronto likes Ordonez, "the price is too steep."

"He's looking at close to $50 (million) or $60 million. We'll take a pass," Ricciardi said. "We like the player, but there's an uncertainty with his leg. We're not prepared to commit to a long-term deal."

Detroit and Ordonez exchanged proposals last week, and Texas has expressed interest.