Lee, Cubs Agree to New Deal

Derrek Lee helped keep the Chicago Cubs out of the World Series last season. Now he has a three-year contract to see whether he can get them in.

Lee, acquired in a November trade from the world champion Florida Marlins, agreed to a three-year, $22.5-million deal Saturday.

The Gold Glove first baseman had signed a one-year contract worth $6.9 million last month.

Under the new deal, he gets base salaries of $5.5 million this season, $7 million in 2005 and $8 million in 2006. He also receives a $2-million signing bonus spread evenly over the three years.

The Cubs were five outs from the World Series when Florida rallied in Game 6 of the National League championship series. Lee’s two-run double in the eighth inning tied the score, and the Marlins went on to win, 8-3.

The next night, his run-scoring single gave Florida the lead for good as the Marlins won, 9-5, to advance to the World Series.

Cub Manager Dusty Baker, meanwhile, announced that Kerry Wood would start the season opener in Cincinnati on April 5. He’ll be followed by Greg Maddux and Mark Prior.

*

Right-hander A.J. Burnett of the Marlins threw his second consecutive pain-free bullpen session of spring training. Burnett, 27, underwent reconstructive elbow surgery April 28, and his projected return date is May 1. He threw curveballs for the first time this spring during a 15-minute session.... Tampa Bay Manager Lou Piniella named Victor Zambrano his opening-day starter. The Devil Rays open the regular season against the New York Yankees in Tokyo on March 30.... First baseman Doug Mientkiewicz of the Minnesota Twins sprained his left knee during a fielding drill at the team’s first full-squad workout. He was behind Justin Morneau, who missed a ground ball. Mientkiewicz jumped to get out of the way and landed awkwardly on the edge of the infield grass. He will be re-evaluated today.