Andre Ethier Agrees To 5-Year $85 Million Extension

Now that the Kings have captured the Stanley Cup, it's time to get back to writing about baseball.

By now you've probably heard that the Dodgers have locked up the bash brothers. Kemp got his well-deserved contract in the offseason, and it's about time 'Dre got his.

While the terms of the deal haven't been officially confirmed, it's reported that the deal will be for 5 years, and be guaranteed for $85 million. It's also being reported that there is a vesting option for a 6th year that would push the deal to $100 million. Have to thank Dylan Hernandez, the LA Times Dodgers beat writer for that. If you're on Twitter and you're a Dodgers fan, he's a must follow- @dylanohernandez

While on the surface this is a ton of money for a player who has already had his 30th birthday party, it makes a lot of sense for the Dodgers. Ethier is a fan favorite, he's proven time and time again that his nickname, Captain Clutch, is well deserved, and he's a good clubhouse guy.  I know there were rumors about him wanting to join his buddy Dustin Pedroia in Boston, but that was never anything more than speculation.

The one-two punch of Ethier and Kemp is going to be a lot of fun to watch over the next 5-6 seasons. Both of them could and probably will start in numerous All-Star Games, and they could very easily lead the Dodgers back to the World Series. Both of them are Silver Slugger and Gold Glove candidates year in and year out, and it seems as though they get along with everyone on the team. Also, it's possible that near the end of Ethier's deal, he could end up playing some right field or even first base if necessary.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the contract extension. The Dodgers front office has shown the fans, and Ethier, that they are committed to keeping talent instead of trading it away. That's the kind of baseball the fans expect in LA.

Follow me on Twitter- @TwittinSports