TUESDAY, 6:06pm: MLB.com's Adam McCalvy reports that the two sides have "mutually agreed to change courses and focus on a one-year deal for 2011." Brewers assistant GM Gord Ash said they'll "try to get something done for this year and then continue to talk longer-term and use this as a placeholder, perhaps."
MONDAY, 10:12pm: The Brewers and Rickie Weeks are scheduled to exchange contract figures tomorrow but the two sides continue to focus on hammering out a multiyear deal, writes Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Assistant GM Gord Ash says that all of the talks that he's had with Weeks' agent, Greg Genske, have been for multiyear deals.
"We've focused exclusively on a multi-year deal," Ash explained. "We've never discussed a one-year deal. I'm not concerned about it. One way or the other, it will get resolved."
The two sides have swapped proposals over the past few weeks but Ash says that he doesn't feel that a deal is near. Last month, the talks were characterized as "productive". This is Weeks' final arbitration eligible year as he will become a free agent after the 2011 season.
Haudricourt writes that one of the difficulties in reaching a deal with Weeks is that its tough to find a comparable for him. The second baseman has missed a great deal of time due to injury but stayed healthy in 2010 and hit .269/.366/.464 with 29 homers. Dan Uggla signed a five-year, $62MM deal in his final year of arbitration but Ash says that he isn't a true comparable due to his years of hitting for power.
While Milwaukee looks to hammer out a multiyear deal with Weeks, GM Doug Melvin has taken the opposite approach with Prince Fielder. Melvin tried to work out a multiyear deal last year with agent Scott Boras but couldn't make any headway. The GM declined to comment when asked if he'll again try to workout a multiyear deal with his star slugger.
What will Weeks likely command? 5/50? Anyone else have any ideas?
No way Weeks can command five years with his injury history. I’d be surprised to see him get more than three.
Okay, I asked because I wasn’t sure. Sorry for my absurd numbers.
The problem with Weeks is that he’s really only had one great season, and that was this past year. He’s been hurt so much that it’s hard to pay him like an Uggla type that is more proven.
I like the 3 year contract with 2 options. That’s what he SHOULD get. Now we’ll see if his agent agrees.
Injuries weeks sustained were to his hands and wrists. Albeit detrimental to his season, you see his explosiveness when healthy.
The Brewers NEED to sign him long term, otherwise they are Screwed at 2B with the loss of Brett Lawrie.
Can’t believe I am just hearing this now, I thought negotiations were going well w/ Weeks. I really hope the Crew can work something out with Weeks. His great years are well……great for a second baseman. He would off set a weaker 1st baseman when Prince leaves for $$$.