Derrek Lee and Aramis Ramirez News...

Derrek Lee said he would like to remain a Cub and would like to sign a extension vyt will not like to tak in season about a extension. Here is wat MLBTR had on it:

"Like many players entering contract years, Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee would prefer not to negotiate during the season. He told ESPN's Bruce Levine that he is open to discussing an extension, but he won't be approaching the team.

Lee, 34, bounced back to a .306/.393/.579 line last year. He's finishing a five-year, $65MM extension signed after his career-best '05 season. If he reaches free agency, Lee projects to join a first base class that might include Lance Berkman, Adam Dunn, Paul Konerko, Adam LaRoche, and Carlos Pena. Lee seems likely to get a two or three-year deal worth more than $10MM per, but much rests on his 2010 production." I say the Cubs do sign Lee to a 3 year extension worth around 20 million before regular season starts.

Could Aramis Ramirez opt out at the end of the 2010 season? He told Paul Sullivan that he won't think about the cause until after the season. Here is waht MLBTR had on it:

"The Cubs will face uncertainty at the infield corners after the 2010 season. We discussed first baseman Derrek Lee earlier today. Now let's take a look at Aramis Ramirez's situation.

Ramirez faces a $14.6MM player option for 2011. He also has a mutual option for 2012 at $16MM, with a $2MM buyout attached. If the club exercises the '12 option and Ramirez declines, he forfeits the buyout. There are also circumstances under which the '12 option can vest. Basically, if he exercises his player option for '11, Ramirez will earn either $16.6MM for one year or $30.6MM for two.

Ramirez, who turns 32 during the season, has consistently raked in his Cubs career. He has had his share of DL trips, with last year's shoulder injury limiting him to 82 games. Even with a big 2010, Ramirez probably can't earn more than $15-16MM per year. It is possible, though, that the free agent market would offer a three or four-year guarantee. Ramirez told Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune he won't think about his opt-out clause until after the season. A year ago, Ramirez said he wanted to finish his career with the Cubs.

Heading into the '06 season, Ramirez was in a similar situation. He had the opportunity to void his contract after the season and leave three years/$33.5MM on the table. He did so in October, but a month later signed a below-market five-year, $75MM deal to remain with the Cubs."

I think Ramirex will end his career as a Cubs and not opt out. I think there will be an extension from a year no, next spring training.

I will keep you posted.