Defensive Indifference

When third base prospect Evan Longoria was sent down to AAA Durham to start the season, a popular interpretation was that the Rays were simply trying to delay starting Longoria’s abritration clock so as to save money in the long term at the (possible) expense of performance in the short term.

Following Willy Aybar’s injury about a week ago, however, the Rays were forced to call up Longoria, and now they have shocked the baseball world (or at least me) by signing him to a six year extension worth $17.5 million, with options possibly extending the deal to nine years and and $44 million.

While this may seem crazy considering that Longoria’s major league resume stands at 6 whole games, I’m a fan of this deal for a couple reasons. First, it shows that the Rays are truly committed to winning in the long term, which is something that is good for Rays fans and baseball as a whole. Second, Longoria is about as close to a can’t miss prospect as there is, having succeeded with flying colors at every level of the minors and endeared himself to statheads and scouts alike. Finally, even if Longoria doesn’t pan out as expected and become a star, $17.5 million over 6 years really isn’t that much money at all—even for the Rays.

In closing, I would like to extend some well-deserved props to the Rays for throwing off the cheapskate moniker, and also some props to Longoria for limiting his future earnings in exchange for long-term security and stability. A good deal all around.