The Cubs kept one of their best backups, signing catcher Henry Blanco to a two-year contract with a mutual option for the 2009 season on Wednesday. Blanco batted a career-high .266 with six home runs and 37 RBIs in 74 games this past season, and overcame a slow start. After going 2-for-21 in the first month, he batted .283 in the final month of the season when he filled in for injured Michael Barrett and subbed at first base.