Lee, Phillies finalize $120 million, 5-year deal

PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Cliff Lee(notes) chose comfort and familiarity over more money.

Welcome back to the City of Brotherly Love, Cliff. They already love you here.

Lee and the Phillies finalized a $120 million, five-year contract Wednesday that brings the star pitcher back to Philadelphia.

“It’s plenty of money,” Lee said. “When you hit a certain point, enough’s enough. It’s just a matter of where you’re comfortable, where you’re happy, where your family’s the most comfortable, what team gives you the best chance to win. At this point, it’s about trying to win championships. That’s really the No. 1 thing for me. I think this team gives me the best chance to do that. That’s really it.”

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Nationals sign Werth to $126 million contract

WASHINGTON, Dec 5 (Reuters) - The Washington Nationals signed free agent right fielder Jayson Werth(notes) to a massive $126 million, seven-year contract on Sunday, providing an explosive curtain raiser to Major League Baseball’s Winter meetings.

The Nationals’ dive into the free agent market comes just two days after slugger Adam Dunn(notes) jumped to the Chicago White Sox agreeing to a four-year $56 million contract.

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Crawford hopes to add to Red Sox left-field legacy

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 11: Carl Crawford(notes) answers questions during a press conference announcing his signing with the Boston Red Sox on December 11, 2010 at the Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Crawford had reached a preliminary agreement Wednesday night on a $142 million contract after becoming a free agent. Gonzalez, 28 and entering the last year of his contract, is expected to sign a seven-year extension in 2011.


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Red Sox to pay price for Adrian Gonzalez: 7 years, $154 million

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Boston Red Sox not only got their man in first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, but also quietly have a contract extension in place.

The Red Sox and Gonzalez have a preliminary agreement on a seven-year extension for $154 million, according to three officials aware of the agreement. The officials, who could not comment on the extension because it is not yet official, also noted the deal likely will not be announced until April for the Red Sox to avoid luxury tax implications.

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