April 18, 200818 yr The St. Petersburg Times reports that the Rays have signed Evan Longoria to a long-term deal. It only took six games and 20 at-bats. The team is expected to announce the signing at a 1 p.m. press conference. Longoria wasn't eligible for free agency until 2014, and the contract likely takes him through then with a club option on his first year or two of free agency. He projects to be one of the league's better third basemen, and the deal should protect the Rays against rapidly inflating salaries come arbitration time. ---RotoWorld.com
April 18, 200818 yr I don't really agree with signing guys long term who havn't even proven anything. For all we know, Longoria could be a bust. I'd probably wait at least another year or two before signing him long term, just to see if he lives up to the hype.
April 18, 200818 yr I would take this approach after 2 years , this is way too early. Of course I also root for the cheapest team in MLB
April 18, 200818 yr Author Rays signed Evan Longoria to a nine-year contract worth a guaranteed $17.5 million. The first six years of the contract cover his arbitration years, with three more years added by team options. If the team exercises its one-year option for 2014, and then its two-year option for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, the deal could be worth up to $44 million. They're investing more than they have to early, but if salaries keep rising and Longoria attains the success he's projected for, this deal would make him an absolute steal for the Rays. ---RotoWorld.com
April 18, 200818 yr This has a strong chance at being the best contract in the history of baseball. I'm serious. The Rays probably saved $50 million dollars over the life of the contract if Longoria becomes the .900+ OPS beast everyone expects (and this is very likely with his skill set, performance, and progression), and even if he busts (or gets injured, see Crosby), a $17 million guarantee is nothing for 6 years. He has so much potential, they would never give up on him even if he struggles (see Crosby again), for 4-5 years, so they would be paying him anyways. This is mind blowing amazing for Tampa.
April 18, 200818 yr We need to do this with Maybin after his first 6 days too.... Lets get Hanley locked up long-term first, then worry about Maybin :thumbup
April 18, 200818 yr We need to do this with Maybin after his first 6 days too.... Lets get Hanley locked up long-term first, then worry about Maybin :thumbup We've already missed the boat to take advantage of Hanley like this.
April 18, 200818 yr Wow...that's a little ridiculous. I'd atleast wait a year or two. But whatever. What's ridiculous is Miguel Cabrera is going to make $96 million dollars his first 9 seasons, and Longoria will make $44 in a higher inflation era than the 2003 season Cabrera would have signed this contract. Longoria is pocket aces, just how Cabrera is. Rays made the right move and they will reap the benefits for 9 years.
April 18, 200818 yr We need to do this with Maybin after his first 6 days too.... Lets get Hanley locked up long-term first, then worry about Maybin :thumbup We've already missed the boat to take advantage of Hanley like this. Yeah, I know. But what I'm saying is: Hanley should be our first priority, then Maybin.
May 3, 200818 yr Author Excellent signing. If the Rays keep making moves like this they have the potential to become a serious team in the AL East in the not too distant future.
May 7, 200818 yr This has a strong chance at being the best contract in the history of baseball. sorry Lou but sometimes you say the most far out things. smart and cheap, sure but let's see how many championships it wins them.
May 7, 200818 yr This has a strong chance at being the best contract in the history of baseball. sorry Lou but sometimes you say the most far out things. smart and cheap, sure but let's see how many championships it wins them. In terms of the value of the player vs the potential value of the contract (keeping in mind inflating salaries)... He's not far off at all, if Longoria produces like he's expected to, championship or not, it'll be the best contract Also, citing that championship thing is weak, one contract will not a championship bring you... but having a potential All-Star at well under market value gives TB the flexibility to get more players to aide in them winning one... Man, I hate that championship argument in this context
May 7, 200818 yr Since when does the signing of one contract win a team a championship? Just ask the Yankees or Mets :mis2
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