Derrek Lee Contract Extension is FINALIZED!

[ndistops]

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2404132

5 years, 65 million and a complete no-trade clause.

We're glad to have you, DLee - thanks for staying here where you belong!!!

[otis89]

Muy bueno.

[rockin500]

good good. maybe a bit overpaid, but definitely good to get him longterm.

[otis89]

People were complaining that we may have overpaid for our bullpen, but that money has brought us potentially the best bullpen in the NL Central. It's such a relief to know that our bullpen is finally actually going to hold a lead or bust their butts trying to hold it. Sometimes you have to overpay to get certain players.

[rockin500]

People were complaining that we may have overpaid for our bullpen, but that money has brought us potentially the best bullpen in the NL Central. It's such a relief to know that our bullpen is finally actually going to hold a lead or bust their butts trying to hold it. Sometimes you have to overpay to get certain players.

oh i agree. I dont have any real problem with signing him to that. its not like the cubs are the pirates here.

[Slightly Sarcastic]

I don't think we overpaid at all.

In fact, I think it's a pretty good bargin.

[Schaddy]

Awesome, awesome news. Lee truly is a 5 tool player, and he's gotten off to a good start this year to help prove that 2005 was no fluke. It's really a comfort to know that he'll be in the middle of our lineup for a long time to come. I think it also really says something that he got the same type of money that Big Papi did; Lee has arrived in a big way, and he's got to be considered one of the very best players in baseball.

[KCGHOST]

The Cubbies must be betting that the 2005 Derek Lee is the one they are buying.

[Schaddy]

The Cubbies must be betting that the 2005 Derek Lee is the one they are buying.

They definitely are, and if you ask me, smart money says they'll get darn close to the same production. Look to his career stats: up until 2005, his last five years worth of averages come out to a .276, .862 OPS, 28 HR, 32 2B, 83 RBI, 14 SB, and he's averaged 159 games played during that time. Obviously, his .335/1.080/46/50/107 of last year is significantly above his career averages, but consider that he's in the prime of his career and for the first time in his career was counted on as "the guy". To me, that says he's reached another level, where we can expect elite production and outstanding durability and defense from him.

Nobody really expected Lee to break out like he did last year, but it's not unprecedented that a player who was previously simply a very good major leaguer became a stud in the fashion Lee did later in their careers. And it must be said that even before last year, Lee was an above average producer in his career, and his numbers had been rising consistently every year of his career. Combine all that with the fact that he's playing very well so far this year as well, and that he not only has more lineup protection but also a legitimate leadoff hitter in front of him, something that was sorely lacking last year, and there's no reason to think that Lee won't approach the .300/40 HR/110+ RBI plateau again.

Lee is a terrific player, and his numbers, potential and production not only suggest that he will be as good as he was in 2005, but that he could be even better with the improvements the Cubs have made to their offense around him. Like I said, it gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling to have him in the heart of our lineup for the long term

[TRIPxCORE]

It was a good move I think. Lee made an adjustment in his swing and stance before last season. That is what made his great season and continues today. Great on defense and now our best hitter. As long as he doesnt turn into Sosa, we're all good. He has a great attitude though so I dont think we need to worry.

[Michael H.]

I'm pretty happy about that! It's good that the Cubs are willing to work it out for one of our core players.

[Lipsander]

If the Cubs didn't sign him, I honestly would have lost my faith in them.

[Cubsfan97]

This is a great way for Hendry to start off his extension. We really needed to sign him if we wnated to be contending in years to come. We wouldn't have even won 79 games last year if it wern't for him.

[RyneSandberg23]

Great job Hendry. Lee might even be better defensively than with the bat. He is a class act and i'm thrilled we've got him long term.

[Bob Sacamento]

Great job Hendry. Lee might even be better defensively than with the bat. He is a class act and i'm thrilled we've got him long term.

It was definately a smart move to lock up Lee but I won't be suprised that come the last year of the contract (2010) that Lee starts to fade offensively. Sometimes though you just have to bit that bullet.