Contract talks between the agent of Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee and general manager Jim Hendry could begin later this week. "When I get out to spring training, we will sit down and just commence talks about Derrek at that point," said Lee's agent, Casey Close, who was planning to be in Florida at the start of this week before heading to the Cubs' camp in Arizona. Hendry and Close chatted at the general managers' meetings in December regarding a new contract for the reigning National League batting champion, whose three-year, $22.5 million contract expires at the end of this season. "We have an ongoing working relationship," said Close of IMG. "Jim and I have a good relationship, and we will be very open on the dialogue about Derrek."