The Brewers and Rickie Weeks are discussing an extension that would buy out at least two of the second baseman's free agent seasons, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports (on Twitter). The deal would be for three to five years and would eliminate the need for Thursday's scheduled arbitration hearing.
As MLBTR's Arb Tracker shows, Weeks is one of four arbitration eligible players who don't have contracts for 2011. Kelly Johnson, a top comparable for Weeks, settled for $5.85MM earlier today. That's below the midpoint for Weeks and the Brewers, but today's agreement doesn't necessarily hurt Weeks, who was working from a higher base salary ($2.75MM) than Johnson.
Next winter's crop of free agent second basemen will become a little less interesting if Weeks signs long-term. He is scheduled to hit free agency after the 2011 season. The Brewers picked up negotiations with Weeks last week after setting talks aside for a while.
The Brewers basically need to get this done if the cost isn’t outrageous. Losing both Fielder and Weeks in the same off-season would really hurt.
Weeks is a beast and one of the most underrated players in baseball. Hope this happens.
I would go 4 years/$40MM ($6MM, $8MM, $11MM, $13MM w/ a $2MM buy out) and an option for a 5th year at $12MM.
Overrated
That’s a funny thing to say, considering he’s one of the most underrated players in baseball, and a catalyst in the lineup. You probably haven’t even seen him play more than a couple games.
rickie weeks staying while being healthy will be huge in determining whether the brewers can continue to be a real contender past 2011. Fielder is relatively easy to replace (especially last year’s numbers). Get it done and let’s get some spring training action on!
Get it done Brewers. Make a deal!!!!! (obviously a Brewer fan here)
I agree. Weeks is twice the player and 3 years younger.