Belated D Lee Extension Thoughts

This was a good deal all around for the Cubs and not-so-good for Derrek Lee. I am confused why he signed it.

First of all, the deal was not a $65 million deal. It's closer to a $55 million deal. See, Lee got 5 years at $13 million per year. But the deal starts this year. Because he was already getting $9.4 million this year, he really got a $5.6 million raise this year and $13 million per year over the next *four* years. Lee gave up a guaranteed year of salary in 2011 that he would have gotten had he signed at the end of the year.

It's a good deal and I'm glad the talk is over about staying or going. Then again, if I'm D Lee, I get a new agent.