Watching the game on ESPN, I just heard Peter Gammons report that he spoke with Derek Lee before the game, and that he and The Cubs are very close to a 4 year 12-13 million per year contract with a one year option.  Gammons suggested that something would be announced on Monday or Tuesday.

Best of all, Gammons asked Lee why he wouldn't wait until the end of the year to play out his free agency and fish for a 6 year big-money contract from Boston or New York, when he could really cash in at top dollar.  Lee's response:  "I don't want to make a lot of money--I want to play in Chicago."

I mean--come on.  How fortunate are we?!

Good news indeed.