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Cornerstone contracts Jenkins, Sexson sign four-year deals with Brewers
Updated: Saturday February 24, 2001 8:41 PM
PHOENIX (AP) -- Richie Sexson had some big news for his pal Geoff Jenkins when he arrived at the Milwaukee Brewers' spring training complex Saturday. "I got my deal done!" Sexson said. "I got mine done, too!" responded Jenkins. The two young sluggers then high-fived and headed out to practice, knowing they'll be the heart of the Brewers' batting order through 2004. The team wouldn't reveal financial terms of the four-year deals. But a source with knowledge of the negotiations, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Jenkins got an $18 million package and Sexson signed for $17.5 million. Sexson joked that Jenkins would pick up the tab for dinner and drinks. "He got more," Sexson said. "So, he's buying." Committing $35.5 million on one day to two players who weren't even eligible for arbitration is something the Brewers never could have fathomed before now. But moving into Miller Park, where the club hopes to attract 3 million fans this year, has changed things for the formally frugal Brew Crew. "It's certainly reflective of the commitment that we're making to our fans as we move into Miller Park to give them the most competitive club we can," general manager Dean Taylor said. The twin signings also signal a shift in organizational philosophy, manager Davey Lopes said. "It addresses a lot of that negative thought process when you're in a market such as us that we're not going to be able to keep guys," Lopes said. "It sends a very positive message to everybody in the organization and the people of Wisconsin and Milwaukee." Jenkins, a left fielder who made $282,000 last season, and Sexson, a first baseman who made $247,000, are both 26 and would have been eligible for arbitration for the first time next year. They traded in the chance to hit the jackpot in year-to-year arbitration hearings for the security of knowing a bad season or an injury won't hurt their earning potential. Neither lost a year of free agency, either. "It's a confidence thing for this team to know they've got me and Richie locked up for four years," Jenkins said. "We both were excited about what's going on here and both saw that we wanted to be a part of it." Jenkins, a first-round draft pick by the Brewers in 1995, led the team with 34 homers last year despite missing three weeks with a broken finger. He also hit .303 with 94 RBIs. Sexson hit 30 homers with 91 RBIs between Cleveland and Milwaukee last season. The Brewers went 30-27 after Sexson's arrival via a trade with the Indians, giving them hope for a turnaround this season after eight consecutive losing years. "We were both surprised it happened on the same day, but it's certainly a blessing," Sexson said. "We know we're going to be playing together for the next four years, and I'm just going to enjoy the process of trying to build a winner around here." Jenkins, a left-handed hitter, is expected to bat third this season and Sexson, a right-handed batter, will hit cleanup. "That's great situation for the Brewers, and it's a great situation for Geoff and Richie," said Jenkins' agent, Dan Lozano. "They're going to help each other for the next four years." The Brewers, who now have 30 players under contract on their 40-man roster, were relatively quiet during the winter except for signing free-agent center fielder Jeffrey Hammonds to a three-year, $21 million deal. Jenkins has a .291 career batting average with 64 homers and 204 RBIs in 354 major league games. Last year he emerged as one of the NL's best defensive outfielders, too. Sexson has a .271 career average with 72 homers and 242 RBIs in 336 major league games. He drove in a career-high 116 games for Cleveland in 1999. "It's a great feeling to know that Geoff and I are going to be together for the next four years," Sexson said. "I see a lot of great things about to happen in the next four years."
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