Story didn't give the breakdown but it's 4 arb years (super 2) plus 3 FA years plus a $16 M option supposedly. Four arb years would surely be at least 3/5/7/9 and that leaves 3/$36. Given some salary inflation over the next 7 years, it looks like they break even if he's average and healthy.

This year may have separated him out from the superstar group of early debut guys but even if we put him in the "disappointing" class ...

Renteria, 23-29, 19.4 WAR
Templeton, 23-29, 17.6 WAR

If healthy, I'm confident this deal will be OK. I'd still like to see him learn to take a walk.

Agreed: my comparatively pessimistic view of Castro has not improved this season, but this is probably a good idea. I suppose arb and subsequent contract negotiations could be seen as a carrot or a stick, but my guess is that it's better to take that out of the equation and let him focus on developing as a player.

I think Harveys should take over for Repoz at writing article intros.

No complaints here. I'm not really all that upset with his offense this year, since he appears to have taken a big step forward defensively. If he can ... well, if he can just go back to being Starlin Castro at the plate, he'll be a very good overall player.

I like the deal, gives the cubs a decent deal locks him up long term. Even if he doeant improve much on offense i think the cubs will get there moneys worth.

Good deal for the Cubs, as long as he doesn't take the Hanley Ramirez route to cancerous petulance.

Can't wait to see him on the Yankees.

Harvey is killing me these days. Every link he does now has a similar rant. Too good.