The Milwaukee Brewers have signed second baseman Rickie Weeks to a four-year deal worth nearly $40 million dollars and could balloon to $50 million with an option for a fifth year.  Weeks is coming off a 2010 season in which he played in 160 games after having injury problems for most of his young career.  “We are thrilled that Rickie has chosen to remain a Brewer,” general manager Doug Melvin told the media in the wake of the deal.  ”He has become one of the best leadoff hitters in the game today; possessing speed, plate discipline and power.  His aggressive style sets the tone for our offense.”

Weeks hit .269 with 29 home runs and 83 RBI in 2010 as the team’s leadoff hitter.  He’s always had a lot of talent, but injuries had held him back until last season.  The Brewers look to have a team that can contend in the National League Central this season thanks to a solid lineup that features bats such as Weeks, Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder, as well as a rotation that will feature Yovani Gallardo, Zack Greinke and Shaun Marcum.  Locking up weeks shows that the organization is committed to long-term success.

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