MESA, Ariz. -- With 10 days left before the Cubs open their season at Cincinnati, first baseman Derrek Lee expressed optimism Thursday about reaching a contract extension before that time.
"I haven't heard a number, so I don't know,'' he replied when asked if there was a major money gap. "But I don't think so. From the talks we've had, it sounds like we are on the same page. We're going to work to get something done.''
Lee reiterated he didn't want negotiations to spill into the season unless the sides were wrapping up final details.
"It depends on where you are at,'' he said. "If it's close and tying up loose ends, maybe we do that. But I don't want to be hearing from my agent every day, saying this is what's going on. I'd rather focus on the season. That's why I say I'd like to get it done in the spring.''
The five-year, $60 million contract signed by White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko in the offseason could affect whatever is decided by Lee's agent, Casey Close, and Cubs general manager Jim Hendry. Lee could be a free agent after this season, but the Cubs aren't expected to let that happen.
Hendry agreed with Lee and said it remains possible an extension can be brokered by April 3. It's heard often around Cubs camp that many people don't expect Lee to match last year's batting average of .335, which led the National League. Lee's response to that: "Why not?''