Weeks, Brewers agree on contract extension

MILWAUKEE, Feb. 16 (UPI) -- The Milwaukee Brewers and second baseman Rickie Weeks said Wednesday they have avoided arbitration by agreeing on a four-year contract extension.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported the deal is worth a guaranteed $38.5 million and could yield as much as $50 million with a series of incentives.

"It was a long process but we finally got it done," Weeks told the newspaper. "You never really have expectations like this but there was a sense of urgency on both sides to get it done. I didn't want it to linger into the season."

Weeks added, "I'm very excited. Now I can get to work and help my teammates win."

The newspaper said the contract pays Weeks a $4 million signing bonus plus a $3.5 million salary in 2011 for a $7.5 million total that exceeded his arbitration request for this year.

The incentives, based on plate appearances, are a recognition of his injury-filled past. Last season, however, he had a breakout year, racking up a .269 batting average, 29 home runs and 83 RBI in 160 games as Milwaukee's leadoff hitter.