Milwaukee Brewers attach Rickie Weeks, with a multiyear contract
As spring training is going into full drive this month, it seems arbitration decisions are still pending. Nevertheless, Milwaukee Brewers have been the recent club to break the deadlock with one if its players. Home grown player, Rickie Weeks, has been signed
on to the squad for an added three years. The deal covers four years with one year extra added to the mix due to an option perspective.
"You look for 'comfortability,' I guess," Weeks said. "I know the organization. I grew up here, basically. If the
right time, the right thing (presented) itself, I was going to be here for a long time. That's why I made my decision."
The valuation on the deal is estimated to be $50 million, with $38.5 million going to the first four years. Weeks’ agent, Greg Genske, has been working hard with the management at the club to broker the contract
extension and the development seems an appropriate step towards the future. The player availed a signing bonus of $4 million, along with $3.5 million, this year. He will receive $10 million in 2012 and 2013, while availing $11 million in 2014.
If Weeks will be able to complete 600 plate appearances in 2014 or combine an aggregate of 1200 appearances over 2013 and 2014, he will be given a contract for 2015. In case he’s injured, Weeks will need to be analyzed by a doctor to determine whether he
would be able to compete in 2015 or not. The fifth year will earn the player $11.5 million if he competes in that season.
"I think it's an ultimate compromise," said Gord Ash. "Greg had always talked to us about the need to do five guaranteed years, and we had always talked about the need to do four years plus a vesting option."
Gord Ash is the general assistant manager with the Brewers and he was responsible for the deal. He worked with Genske in constructing the deal. Weeks hasn’t been able to appear in all matches during the seasons before 2010. Owed to knee, wrist and hand injuries,
the player has been able to average 94 game appearances over the last 4 seasons.
Tags: