Weeks sets spring deadline for contract

MILWAUKEE, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks said Sunday he has set a spring training deadline to get a contract extension done.

Weeks, who has filed for salary arbitration with the team, told MLB.com he doesn't want to begin spring training next month with negotiations for a potential new deal still ongoing.

"After spring training (begins), I want to focus on the year and the team," Weeks told the Web site.

The first full workouts for the Brewers begin Feb. 22, making for a tight window to get Weeks' contract situation resolved.

Instead of a multiyear extension, the infielder and his agent have been focusing on a one-year deal to avoid arbitration. Weeks has filed for $7.2 million in arbitration hearings, while the Brewers have countered with $4.85 million.

Weeks last year logged a breakout season with the Brewers, slugging 29 homers with 83 RBI while batting .269. During his seven-year career in Milwaukee, the 28-year-old has compiled 89 home runs and 265 RBI in 642 games, batting .253.