True to both parties word that they would work hard this spring to hammer out a deal prior to Opening Day, the Houston Astros and Lance Berkman have reached an agreement to extent his current contract and lock up the young slugger for a very long time.
The deal will give Berkman six more years minimum with the team, running through the 2010 season. A seventh year is a club option year or a player buyout, whichever becomes necessary. The total value of the contract is said to be 85 million, making it a value of slightly more than 14 million per year. This is a very good deal on both sides, giving the team a manageable contract and Berkman the security for his family that most players seek at these junctures in their respective careers.
Good job all around to get this done like they said they would, now on to other pressing matters, like another bullpen arm, a middle of the lineup bat, yadda, yadda, yadda...
Congratulations Lance and of course the Houston Astros!
