Six games gets Evan Longoria paid

by Adam J. Morris on Apr 18, 2008 2:21 PM CDT Comment 72 comments

Wow...the D-Rays have jumped ahead of the curve on the "sign your best players to long-term deals early" trend, locking up Evan Longoria to a deal that could be worth $44 million through 2016.

If Longoria is the superstar a lot of folks think he can be, this deal is a home run for the D-Rays. If Longoria is another Sean Burroughs or Ben Grieve, well...the D-Rays aren't in that bad of shape, because after 2013 (when he gets $6 million), the remaining years of the deal are option years.

Outstanding signing by the Rays.

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Dumb

Seems like a deal you’d sign by yourself at 22, not one you’d expect a guy with an agent to sign.

Sure, if he tanks, he’s going to get paid well for sucking, and that’s nice, but if he’s the star almost everybody thinks he will be, I just don’t get this.

You would think a smarter deal for him would be a 5 year with a team option and a player one at 7 or at the very least 8.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

No way a team signs a 5 year deal with him.

The magic number has to be at least a 7 year deal (counting this year). Its just not worth a long term deal for less.

Why? Well, the first three years you can pay the player anything you damn well please. The 4th and 5th year are arb years.

The seventh year is a FA year. If you can’t buyout a FA year, you might as well go year to year, rather than guarantee a large sum of money. The only incentive for a team to guarantee a lot of money is to avoid free agency for a year or more.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on Apr 18, 2008 2:35 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bah

Good point.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

I understand your point, but I think it’s a security thing. The difference between 2 or so million he’ll probably get if he busts without signing and 18 million or so million he’ll get with this contract if he busts is more significant to him than the 44million he’ll get over the life of the contract if he’s great versus the 80 or so million he’d likely get going year-to-year through arbitration then signs a big deal once he’s FA eligible.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 2:38 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I suppose

You’re right, and that’s the rational line of thinking that my dad would doubtless agree with, but when you’re arguably the top prospect in baseball with all the talent in the world, sometimes you’ve gotta make your own breaks and take the risk that your determination and talent will win out.

Of course, I realize it’s easy for me to say that when I don’t have a cool 18 mil staring at me.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great signing by the Rays

and I can see this from Longoria’s perspective, too.

It’s a guaranteed 18mm.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 2:35 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

I still

Hate the team options for him.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:36 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah,

I’m not in love with the contract from his side either. Its 8 years after this year that he has no ability to test his value. I’d have tried to lop a year or 2 off the end of the contract, or convert one of the team option years to a guaranteed year.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on Apr 18, 2008 2:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt

A two-year team option? I’ve never heard of such a thing.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone else just did one of those

So many young players got locked up this off season I can’t even think of who it might be, but I remember reading about it and thinking it was an interesting clause.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 3:10 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Aaron Hill

The Jays gave Hill a $12 mil deal for 4 years with 3 team options at $6mil per. I think that deal is a huge steal, based solely on the team options.

by Baseball North on Apr 18, 2008 4:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

dreaming is free

Apropos of nothing, but this is starting to freak me out. Last night I had a dream where Corey Patterson was killed. This is less than a week after I had a dream where David Murphy got a career-ending compound leg fracture. Are there any psychoanalysts out there who can tell me why I am dreaming about catastrophic events befalling major league outfielders?

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Apr 18, 2008 2:36 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

did Rusty Greer

beat you as a child?

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on Apr 18, 2008 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Corey Patterson was killed!!??

Was he done in by his break-out season? You know, the one that I predicted and wanted him to have here, as our 2008 BORP?

God I wanted him here. Milton Bradley is a pretty good BORP, but Patterson would have been like the god of BORPS.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

haha yeah

I thought you’d be interested to hear about that, dirk.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Apr 18, 2008 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah his .268 OBP this year so far

is screaming breakout.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on Apr 18, 2008 3:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know if you played outfield

But there is such a thing as run and catch envy?

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts... for support rather than illumination." - Andrew Lang (1844-1912)

by Ed Coffin on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

i did

Some center field, a little right field. Maybe you are on to something, Ed.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Apr 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rays

Anyone else get the feeling that the Rays are starting to get a bit more serious about competing? First Shields, then Pena, now this. Maybe they think they their time is (finally) approaching.

But that river of tears has dried for all of us.

by trza on Apr 18, 2008 2:38 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Local stations here

are buzzing about Carl Crawford reportedly wanting to sign long term with the Rays. However, Kazmir refuses to deal and appears intent on testing the FA waters. I seriously hope to high hell the Rangers try to bring him back to Texas when he’s available.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 2:44 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

You know

That if he does, and we bring him in, he’s immediately going to break every bone from the knee and shoulder down, right?

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nice attitude.

You know the guy lead the AL in K’s last year…. right?

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 2:47 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Of course

He’s a fantastic pitcher. My point was that the Rangers have a way of bringing out the worst in a player. Tongue was in cheek, don’t worry.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ah, so noted.

No, you have a point. The Rangers have had disgusting luck with their staff. However, this is a kid to target, pay too much for, and enjoy the results. He’s worth the risk.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wouldn't

Disagree.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:52 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorta like Barry Zito

The Rangers even being interested in him caused him to collapse.

by texnykazrus on Apr 18, 2008 3:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

The Ranger jinx and an 85 mph fastball will do you in. Not that Jason Jennings is great, but he’s another example.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 3:21 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kazmir...

is nothing like Barry Zito.

"The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance."-Socrates

by slc ranger on Apr 18, 2008 3:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kazmir

Well, except for being left-handed and walking way too many batters, no, not really…

"I dont care to debate with a troll." - Sharky

by RCCook on Apr 18, 2008 6:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

No on Kazmir

I know he’s been good (bordering on great), and I know there’s a chance he’s going to continue to be very good, but there’s too many red flags there for me to want to pay out the butt hole and/or sell the farm to get him here.

I know I’m in the minority on that one, but I think Kazmir is a total cliff dweller.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps

But don’t we have to take a chance on cliff-dwellers? We’re not usually the place a guy opts out of to come to, or doesn’t extend with his current team so he can come here.

by brettgardner on Apr 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cliff dweller... interesting phrase

He’s young, he’s only pitched less than 186 innings once in the last 3 years, sub-3.50 career ERA. Who are the Rangers to pass on that kind of ability, especially as shitty as the current rotation is (sans Mill, Pads (sometimes), and Gabbard)?

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather take my chance with Sheets

And with the 22nd overall selection the Dallas Cowboys select Jonathan Stewart.

by TheBZA on Apr 18, 2008 5:01 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1,000,000

I heart Sheets. The injury history sucks, but he’s got the kind of pure ace stuff you need at the top of your staff if you’re gonna be a WS contender.

By this time next year I want Ben Sheets, a big FA bat (Adam Dunn? Pat Burell? Whoever?) and Eric Hosmer all in the Rangers organization. That’s my dream. Make it happen, JD.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 5:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sheets is from Louisiana which might help us.

by coolaid on Apr 18, 2008 5:13 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Perhaps

I mean, it certainly won’t hurt.

Although Tom Hicks agreeing to pay him a “shitload” of money would probably help us a lot more ;)

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 5:16 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yup

The boatload of money would certainly help.

by coolaid on Apr 18, 2008 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Really...

the last time Sheets pitched 200+ innings was in 2004. He hasn’t pitching anything close to that since. Obviously… injury prone. Good ERA, but is pitching in his 8th season with no more than 12 wins. I smell disappointment if the Rangers bring him in.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:15 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

and he gives up a disproportionate number of HR's

which would likely increase even further in the Arlington bandbox.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:18 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the Milwaukee stadium actually play more hitter friendly than the RBPIA?

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 5:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Um, no

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:25 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

according to this, which was the first thing that popped up when I googled “baseball park factors”: Um, yes. Well, okay, it’s really close. But I’m guessing really they’re very comparable.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Possibly, but

with the Arlington jetstream and AL hitters, he’d be apt to give up a hell of a lot of gopher balls.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

The Arlington jet stream

Why the Arlington jet stream mean more homers for him, when he’s coming from a stadium that, as far as I can tell from my cursory research, has played equally as homer friendly?

I don’t get it.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 6:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's switching over leagues.

NL pitchers often get rocked when they come over to the AL. The offenses are typically better. I think he’d give up more HR’s in Arlington because he’d be facing better hitters. However, he’s susceptible to the HR and thus I think more marginal balls would get out because of the jet stream.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 19, 2008 5:07 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oh, he's definitely injury-prone

Which is the only reason we’re even talking about him hitting the open market. Sheets has incredible stuff and can be absolutely dominant when he’s right. If he’d been pitching 200+ innings these last four years the Brewers would’ve locked him up. The only reason we have a shot at him is cause there’s a risk involved. It’s a risk I’m willing to take if it gets us a guy like Sheets.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 5:19 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Someone bookmark this thread

I would love to come back to it in a year or so if we sign Sheets and he gets hurt again and people are calling for JDs head and wondering what he was thinking signing a guy with such an injury history

by bigsteve on Apr 18, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't mind Sheet's injuries

I saw his major league debut against Houston back in (I think) 2001, and I saved the sheet I took score on knowing that he’d be a great pitcher one day.

I would love to see him in Texas. Just like I’d love to have Rich Harden in Texas too. The mere possibility of having a Ranger pitcher winning a Cy Young is enough for me to risk the possibility of injuries

by JBImaknee on Apr 18, 2008 5:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Rich Harden???

-1. The guy lives on the DL. I’d rather risk Sheets bucking the injury trend.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Kazmir as a bad investment

That is what the Mets thought when they traded Victor Zambrano for him…

by JBImaknee on Apr 18, 2008 5:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

One of the worst trades this decade.

Easily.

There is no such thing as global warming. David Murphy was cold, so he turned the sun up.

by SarasotaRanger on Apr 18, 2008 5:33 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yah, well

We thought Zito was a bad investment when we drafted him, and we were wrong.

But that doesn’t mean paying for him when he hit FA was right.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 6:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

is master p

his agent?

send me nominations for the Hall of the Very Good
http://www.buchanan4pres2008.org/
NIXON: NOW MORE THAN EVER

by gossamer on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

lol

Nice.

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 2:55 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm surprised

I haven’t heard more about the fact that Evan Longoria is only one letter away from being a Desperate Housewife.

by geetar85 on Apr 18, 2008 3:28 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Haven't loooked at it in detail

But it seems like a good deal. Longoria knows there’s no guarantee so get a guarantee for some cash. In exchange, D-Rays know he might be fantastic, so they get the option to keep him around (and those $11 mill options seem very team friendly).

The only thing that kinda suprised me is that there’s no money up front. Maybe you just don’t do that.

What happened to my old signature?

by WyoRanger on Apr 18, 2008 4:00 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Sets a dangerous precedence...

What I love about baseball more than any sport is you actually have to work hard and prove yourself before you get a shot at the big time. Three to six years in the minors and you still might not make it to the show. Once you’re there you have to prove yourself as an elite hitter or pitcher to get elite money. In fact, I cringe every time Boras attempts to up the signing bonus during the draft by a million or two.

Longoria hasn’t proven himself and doesn’t deserve the money. I have some inside knowledge of the Rockies clubhouse and now that their young star players are signing deals – a lot of them are turning into delusional, self-absorbed rich kids. The Longoria deal is just the tip of the iceberg for the league to start filling itself with a bunch of spoiled young players who are going to miss out on the opportunity to build the character patience provides.

I think it’s also only fair for me to admit I hate the money aspect of baseball. Too much money is changing hands. I think the integrity and purity of baseball is gone and the fans are the ones who suffer.

by RangerBoy on Apr 18, 2008 4:32 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

Inside source?

Miles is that you? Seriously though, I see what you mean. Longoria has earned his pay by mashing in the minor leagues. It’s true he hasn’t spent much time in the show, but it really is a low-risk signing. Owners and GMs are having to get more and more creative on how to keep the core of their rosters intact. The Rays are in an especially interesting situation considering that many of their guys will be hitting arbitration and free agency soon. Having Evan’s salary locked in allows the team more financial flexibility as opposed going year to year.

However, I get your point about young players losing some drive after getting their first payday. Maybe it’s not intentional and maybe it’s not behavioral. But I can see myself being a lot less frustrated over an 0-5 evening when I have $22 mil headed my way.

And with the 22nd overall selection the Dallas Cowboys select Jonathan Stewart.

by TheBZA on Apr 18, 2008 5:05 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

What??

I can understand you think baseball players make too much money. Lots of people think that. But who should the money go to? The owners? F-them. This is free market at its best. It’s a different way for owners to “invest” their money. Guarantee more at the outset and hope you get team friendly options at the end.

As far as thinking this will create egomaniacs, that’s mere speculation regardless of your source. Maybe your source is right, maybe it’s wrong, but to make a sweeping generalization is absolutely wrong. I also have a friend that interacts with a lot of Rockies, and he hasn’t mentioned anything to me. Unless you’re him. In which case I’m still pissed about the fantasy draft.

What happened to my old signature?

by WyoRanger on Apr 18, 2008 6:20 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah...

I understand the investment end – and with the market the way it is – it’s a good gamble for the team. I’m not knocking the Rays for being savvy. I’m only saying they’re tinkering with something that COULD possibly backfire. It’s a morality issue. With all due respect – and whether my source is correct or not – I don’t think it’s far fetched to think that too much money can corrupt a 20 year-old kid. I know that I wouldn’t have been able to handle a cool mil when I was that age.

For the record: I’d rather see the money go to the players than the owners. I’m completely in agreement on that one. I just think there is too much money floating around in baseball – but what are you gonna do? If costs are kept down I don’t end up paying $7 for a hot dog and $45 for a ticket – or at least I’d like to think that :)

by RangerBoy on Apr 19, 2008 1:54 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Where would the money go

if you paid 7 for a hot dog and 45 for a ticket, and the money didnt go to players or the owners? Evaporate into thin air?

I’ve never understood the hate for players salaries. They are indispensable parts of a multi-billion dollar business. They ought to get paid.

"Before I leave, I once again condemn the despicable buffoonery of D.J. Cahill." - Huck

by DJCahill on Apr 19, 2008 8:13 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

heh

"Hmn [sic] ... pehaps [sic] I've said too much..." - LSJesus

by Chase Irwin on Apr 19, 2008 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everyone is a winner with

this deal – especially the Rays fans.

by Randy Richardson on Apr 18, 2008 5:47 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

It will be interesting to watch the Rays.

If they spend the money to keep all that talent in house, they would have the chance to become a dynasty. I don’t think a team has had this much of a stacked organization since the Mets of the early 80s.

Keep ‘em away from the coke.

by philkid3 on Apr 18, 2008 6:09 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

How are

going to sign Kazmir and Upton now?

"He throws that curveball so hard and it snaps 12 to six like you've never seen." - Matt Kemp on Clayton Kershaw

by miles on Apr 18, 2008 9:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs

With the money they're gonna get

from this.

If two out of the McGee, Davis, Niemann, Price foursome end up being good, and they grab a stud with their #1 overall pick again this year (Alvarez?), this team is gonna be freaking fearsome for a long time.

And, frankly, I’m pretty pumped about that. The Yanks and/or Red Sox are gonna be missing the post season soon. And that is AWESOME :)

"Sabean did a good job on selling high on Liriano." -Excel Hearts Choi

by thedirkatron on Apr 18, 2008 11:42 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs