Will Evan Longoria be in the MLB on opening day?

by Cory Alexander on Jan 26, 2008 8:39 PM EST

http://theraysway.blogspot.com/2008/01/opinion-evan-longoria-ryan-braun-vs.html

I take a look at reasons to keep Evan Longoria in Triple AAA Durham, and how it may help up Joel Guzman's trade value when Longoria is absolutely ready for the MLB. Like RJ, I can't help but like self-promotion. It really does help you.

This post was written by a member of the DRaysBay community and does not necessarily express the views or opinions of DRaysBay staff.

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Re: Will Evan Longoria be in the MLB on opening da

Now with Aybar I'm not so sure it's Guzman's trade value as it is their future value.

by R.J. Anderson on Jan 26, 2008 8:45 PM EST reply actions

True

If Guzman has an opportunity to fix his strikeout totals, we could even keep him. I just think Guzman deserves another chance. I've always liked the guy ever since that triple he had last year.

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by Cory Alexander on Jan 26, 2008 8:50 PM EST up reply actions

AAA for Longo

I agree that Longoria should be told that he will open the season at AAA and see what happens at spring training. Since Guzman has no more options, this is his chance to make it happen or be DFA'd. If he does not have a good spring he will have little to no trade value.

by bobbyray1 on Jan 27, 2008 9:58 AM EST reply actions

Re: Will Evan Longoria be in the MLB on opening da

Interesting comparison of Longoria, Braun, and Gordon. I did a very similar article on the Stat Pack about a month ago

http://www.thestatpack.blogspot.com/

by tampabaysportsfanatic on Jan 27, 2008 2:53 PM EST reply actions

Is it just about readiness?

Seems to me the benefit of delaying Longoria's debut is in delaying his arb eligibility as much as his readiness. Taking the long term approach, an extra year of contract control gained, as Milwaukee may have done with Braun, makes a whole lot of sense. And showcasing Guzman rather than carrying him in a very limited role or DFA'ing him also makes sense.

The fact is Longoria is theoretically more prepared than either Braun or Gordon were heading into 2007. Neither had played in AAA yet - Braun in fact had only played 1/2 a season in AA. But a legitimate player development argument can be made for sending Longy down again - & the Gordon / Braun analogy is useful. And no one wants to (nor will you) hear that the motivation is financial. It sends the wrong PR message, even if it's a good strategic decision.

by nyyfaninlaaland on Jan 28, 2008 3:38 PM EST reply actions