Quote:
Cubs, Lee agree to $65 million, five-year deal
By RICK GANO, AP Sports Writer
April 10, 2006
CHICAGO (AP) -- NL batting champion Derrek Lee and the Chicago Cubs agreed to a $65 million, five-year contract, a deal expected to be announced Tuesday.
"It's fairly likely something will be worked out," agent Casey Close said Monday. "We still have to iron out some things."
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The Cubs called a news conference for Tuesday but did not specify its subject, and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry declined comment.
Lee is making $8 million in the final season of a $22.5 million, three-year deal. His new contract calls for a $13 million annual salary from 2006-10 and contains a no-trade clause, one person familiar with the agreement said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Late last week, Lee said he would break off negotiations for the rest of the season if the sides did not reach an agreement by last Saturday, but he later softened his stance.
"There could be loose ends if it does work out," Lee said. "If there's a gap, we'll see. But it sounded like they're getting close."
He joined the Cubs before the 2004 season in a trade from Florida, one year after helping the Marlins beat Chicago in the NL championship series and then win the World Series.
During spring training, Lee said he wouldn't necessarily be seeking the biggest contract.
"If it's a deal I feel is fair for me, I would sign it. It's still a business. I always look at it as if there is a deal that makes me happy now, why not sign it? I don't think $2-3 million a year more is going to change my life," he said.
Lee started quickly last season and finished by leading the NL in average (.335), hits (199), doubles (50) with 46 homers and 107 RBIs while winning a Gold Glove at first base.
Through the first five games this season, Lee is batting .375 with three homers and six RBIs.
Close switched companies in a move announced Monday, joining Creative Artists Agency after many years at IMG.
"It was the continuing convergence of entertainment and sports," Close said when asked for the reason behind his decision. "I thought CAA would be the perfect place to explore new opportunities. "They're very interested in making a strong statement in this part of the business."
Football agent Tom Condon left IMG last week for CAA.
AP Baseball Writer Ronald Blum in New York contributed to this report.