Rays Extend Kazmir
UPDATE: (5/14, 10:05pm EST) - Vote in the poll. Who got fleeced?!
May 14, 8:33pm (EST) - The Tampa Bay Rays have extended young ace Scott Kazmir. The deal is said to be for 3 years, worth a reported $28.5
million. There is also a club option for the 2012 season, which could bring the total value of the deal to $39.5 million. This deal buys out Kazmir’s first year of free agency.
Nice Ball by the Rays here. It’s good to see them understand that they’re moving in the right direction, and make such an effort to keep one of their young stars. The move does involve a bit of risk, as Kazmir has had arm problems here and there. All in all, however, Rays’ fans have to be very pleased.
Kazmir was originally acquired by the Rays in what is now considered a Great Moment in Fleece History.
Filed under: Tampa Bay Rays, _Polls
Rays have done a terrific job of locking up virtually every young star the past couple of years that they have had for multiple years at way below market value and it has paid off. Kazmir, Shields, Longoria (futures bet), Crawfor in 2005 w/4 year+ 2 club options, Iwamora, 3 years + option. Only really Rocco Baldelli has cost them with this policy thus far.
The only way teams like Cleveland, Oakland, Rays can compete is do it this way and surprised not many more attempt it and take the chances on young prospects.
Next years young Tampa stars to get long extensions?
BJ Upton who will have 2 years+ ML service
Edwin Jackson who will have 3+