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Report:
Bombers, Jeter agree on one-year deal
New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York
Yankees and star shortstop Derek Jeter reportedly
have agreed on a one-year, $10 million contract,
according to the Daily News. The two sides
reportedly are close to working out a seven-year,
$118.5 million package, which would make Jeter
the highest-paid player in baseball history.
Jeter's new deal is expected to be announced
on Thursday.
Jeter, who won a $5 million arbitration award
last year, was eligible for arbitration again
this year. Jeter had asked for an arbitration
record $10.5 million for the 2000 season, while
the Yankees countered with $9.5 million.
Jeter's contract will be the highest baseball
has seen since Kevin Brown agreed to a seven-year,
$105 million contract before the 1999 season, and
the second-highest in all of team sports. Kevin
Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves signed a
six-year, $126 million deal before the 1997-98
campaign.
However, Jeter's proposed deal probably won't
be the highest one for long, as Detroit
outfielder Juan Gonzalez has been offered an
eight-year, $140 million package from the Tigers,
who recently acquired the slugger from the Texas
Rangers. Also, both Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex
Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners are in the
market for long-term, big-money deals.
Jeter hit .349 with 24 home runs, 219 hits and
102 RBI, all career highs, in 158 games last
season, and has established himself as an
indispensable component of the team that has won
the World Series three of the last four years.
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