Tuesday, April 11, 2006

NL batting champion Derrek Lee and the Cubs agreed to a five-year, $65 million contract, a deal expected to be announced today.

"It's fairly likely something will be worked out," agent Casey Close said yesterday. "We still have to iron out some things."

The Cubs called a news conference for today but did not specify its subject, and Cubs GM Jim Hendry declined comment.

Lee is making $8 million in the final season of a three-year, $22.5 million deal. His new contract calls for a $13 million annual salary from 2006 to 2010 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.

· FOUR MORE YEARS FOR ORTIZ: Red Sox slugger David Ortiz agreed to a four-year, $52 million contract extension through 2010, five months after leading the AL with 148 RBI and finishing runner-up for the league's MVP award.

The designated hitter was in the last year of a two-year, $12.5 million extension he signed in May 2004. That deal called for a $6.5 million salary this year and gave Boston an option for 2007, currently valued at $8.4 million with a $1.4 million buyout.

Ortiz's new deal contains a team option for 2011.

"I want to finish my career as a Red Sox player," Ortiz said at a news conference at Fenway Park. "I'm going to be around for a while. I'm pretty sure New England is going to take this as good news."

· BRAVES' JONES GOES ON DL: 3B Chipper Jones went on the 15-day disabled list because of a sprained right knee and ankle, but the injury wasn't as severe as the Braves feared.

Jones was injured Sunday when he charged Mike Matheny's slow roller in the eighth inning of the Braves' 6-5 loss to the Giants. This is the third straight season that Jones has gone on the DL.

Jones underwent an MRI exam on his knee and an X-ray of his ankle. The examination showed both were merely sprained.

"Our doctors say this is an injury that will heal itself," GM John Schuerholz said. "It just takes time."

· BATMAN, NOT PITCHER: Actor Michael Keaton threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Pirates' home opener. It went in the dirt, so he requested a mulligan and got it, throwing his second try down the middle.

Keaton also took a few swings at the team's owners, criticizing them for not spending enough money to field a competitive team.

"Look, I'd do it, too, if I were a businessman," said Keaton, a native of suburban Pittsburgh known for his role as Batman. "But, at some point, you've got to win. I think fans have been gracious. And maybe not vocal enough."

-- From News Services