Longoria for the Long Haul, Johnson in, Medlock out

by Kevin Gengler on Apr 18, 2008 12:52 PM EDT Comment 59 comments

UPDATE(1:04): It's done. Could be nine years when it's all said and done. Topkin has more:

The Rays have signed 3B Evan Longoria to a long-term deal that could be worth more than $44-million over nine years. The first six years are guaranteed for $17.5-million and the Rays hold a one-year option for 2014 and a two-year option for 2015-16.

(Additional notes: The Rays have also claimed Dan Johnson off waivers and Calvin Medlock designated for assignment(hat tip: websterjtc); and I'll post the final part of my draft preview series tomorrow when things are a little less busy in Rays-world.)

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Ken Rosenthal is reporting that the "major announcement" will be that the Rays have inked Longoria to a long-term contract:

The details of the contract are not yet known, but it is believed that the deal will be for six years in the $17 million range with option scenarios that will enable the Rays to buy out two years of Longoria's free agency.

The contract, to be announced at 1 p.m. ET, also is expected to include escalators that will enable Longoria to add to his guaranteed money if he develops into a major star.

More from Marc Topkin as the official announcement draws near:

There is no official word and lots of speculation at this point, including some talk that the deal could run for nine years (with team options) and be worth close to $50-million.

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Good time to go buy his jersey

by GomesSweetGomes on Apr 18, 2008 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow!

“Just when I thought you couldn’t get any dumber, you go and do something like this… and totally redeem yourself!”

-Harry from Dumb and Dumber

I think that quote pretty much sums up how the fans have felt the last three weeks regarding the Rays’ handling of Longoria. I think it’s fair to say that no one should be questioning the front office’s motives from here on out. They have consistently exceeded their own statements regarding payroll, free parking, and the new stadium project. To have nine years of Longo at an average cost of $4.9 million per season is a flat out steal.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 1:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I agree

Except for the free parking thing. You have to pay unless you have 3 with you. When you go to as many games as I do, that’s impossible.

by GomesSweetGomes on Apr 18, 2008 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The free parking was initially only going to be for 2006.

Then they extended it for 2007.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes! Yes! Yes!

this is awesome. I just Rick Rolled my entire school and now this! WOOT

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup

by SRQman on Apr 18, 2008 1:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Value

$17.5MM for six years. The first three would have been basically free, so let’s knock off $.5MM for each. That’s $16MM for three years. The arbitration years pay about 40%, 60%, and 80% of free agent value, for an average of 60%. $16MM divided by .6 is $26.7MM or about $9MM per year on the free agent scale. The going rate for free agents is $4.5MM per win, so they’re paying Longoria as if he’ll be a two-win player, which is league-average. Is it reasonable to expect him to perform like that? Um, yeah. Seems like a no-brainer to me.

by Sky Kalkman on Apr 18, 2008 1:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Rays have claimed Dan Johnson.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfgate/detail?blogid=21&;entry_id=25805

by websterjtc on Apr 18, 2008 1:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It’s like Friedman just finished reading moneyball

by websterjtc on Apr 18, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

except he seems to focus on defense. Can DJ play RF?

by websterjtc on Apr 18, 2008 1:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nope.

He’s a first baseman only and has never played OF before. This means the end of Nathan Haynes.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What the eff?

What the eff are we going to do with Dan Johnson? Seriously? Even if Pena has to go on the DL, I can deal with Hinske at 1B and Gomes/Rugg/Haynes in RF. Dan Johnson? Ugh.

by Kevin Gengler on Apr 18, 2008 1:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

i like dan johnson. just seems weird cause he doesn’t play RF.

by websterjtc on Apr 18, 2008 1:55 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

hopefully you are right and it means the end of haynes.

by websterjtc on Apr 18, 2008 1:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No he was just getting hot!

Top Josh Paul Pornos- Big Navy Stroking, 2pitchers1cup

by SRQman on Apr 18, 2008 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My guess is Ruggiano is sent down. Johnson is the DH most games or possibly in a platoon with Gomes, although it seems Maddon wants to use Gomes against righties too, which I think is a good idea. Perhaps Haynes occasionally starts against particular pitchers or in particular parks and continues to act as late inning replacement/pinch runner.

by bobr on Apr 18, 2008 2:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That won't work

We have to drop someone from the 40-Man Roster.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

40-man possibilites

Maybe Joel Guzman now that we’re set at the corner infield positions and, it seems, utility positions? One of Scott Dohmann/Gary Glover since we might move Sonnanstine to relief permanently. Maybe Jae Kuk Ryu or Calvin Medlock, though the latter wouldn’t be wise IMO. We could DFA whichever one of Riggans/DiFelice we don’t plan on keeping when Navarro gets back, but then we’d be playing this weekend with one catcher. And of course, Haynes is a candidate.

by Kevin Gengler on Apr 18, 2008 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Everybody is hating on Haynes

Not that I want him to be our regular RF, but I think he’s filled in nicely since we got him. Anyway, great job locking up Longoria. The future is brighter and brighter.

Jamie DeLuca

by JDeLuca on Apr 18, 2008 2:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Come to think of it

My guess is they will move Cliff Floyd to the 60-Day DL. That would clear a spot and we won’t have to cut anyone.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 2:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DJ

Enjoy DJ. A’s fan here, and Johnson supporter. Here’s hoping a change of scenery and an extended opportunity work out for both the Rays and DJ.

Great move on Longoria also.

by HuskerFan on Apr 18, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

At best this looks like a steal

At worst this looks kinda bad.

by P Brady on Apr 18, 2008 2:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Johnson is DH only. Pena and Floyd are injured so we need someone.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yeah, but how much is he gonna cost? i know he had a contract with the A's still

by davidsmarch on Apr 18, 2008 2:41 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Who cares? The rays are actually spending money.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He's not even ARB eligible until after this season

So league min/ around 41K

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

410k rather.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Are you worried about the salary cap or something?

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd rather not have sunk costs within a few years with stupid signings just to spend money.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The rays have been pretty good at picking up bats. Until proven otherwise I would give them the benefit of the doubt on all their moves.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this seems pointless

unless Pena is very very hurt. Gomes has been playing very well. Ruggiano has been hitting well, and can actually play the field. We can’t drop Haynes or Ruggs, unless you consider Hinske a backup RF. and if he does, then you end up with Johnson at 1B, Hinske in RF, and Gomes DHing? i don’t know man, i just don’t know.

by davidsmarch on Apr 18, 2008 2:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Since you obviously know more then the GM of the rays, you should be emailing the team not wasting your talents on a message board.

Obviously there is more to pena’s injury then they are letting on.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is he only supposed to comment when he’s thrilled? And you’re probably right about Pena.

by GomesSweetGomes on Apr 18, 2008 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, screw opinions!

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well I am trying to think of a really bad pickup/trade that the rays have made in the past few years, and well there isn’t any. We traded some trash, and picked up marginal players for it. Signed nobodys that have turned into potential MVPs.

We have a really good GM.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 2:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

umm, screw you

and thanks for the advice. but, i didn’t posture to know more then the GM, i simply said it seemed pointless to me, and then tried to throw out a scenario in which it would make sense. i don’t second guess our front office much, but i don’t think it’s in any fans best interest to turn into a GM lemming, and believe that every move they make is a great one.

by davidsmarch on Apr 18, 2008 3:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It's not a good or a bad deal

Until a month from now when we see how everything worked out.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

and also,

Vin in the fanpost titled “Rays claim Dan Johnson”, said he doesn’t get it either, you should probably go criticize him too…

by davidsmarch on Apr 18, 2008 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bring it on.

by Vin on Apr 18, 2008 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Leave it to a chick

To title her post “Love Me Longo Time”

Good for you Jessica!

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 3:07 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a winner.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 3:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Just the title of her blog kicks ass

“Her Rays!”

Gold.

by Vin on Apr 18, 2008 3:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Needs more Cannizaro references/10

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My vision of every female Rays fan.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The clap included?

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

by Kevin Gengler on Apr 18, 2008 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Could be the hottest thing I've ever seen.

by Vin on Apr 18, 2008 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2girls1ray

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 3:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

LMAO!!!!!!!!

this is the clean version…

Hello Kitty, #1 in your fantasy league. =p

by Boricua on Apr 20, 2008 5:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And 50,000 red blooded guys just signed up to go to Florida State.

Help save babies by donating to the March of Dimes. The mission of March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

http://www.marchforbabies.org/Carolyn_Addison

by SeanDubbs on Apr 18, 2008 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

the girl on the left went to my high school. her name’s ali. she is definitely hot

by dropkicknu on Apr 18, 2008 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Nobody say anything disparaging about Alyssa

A – She’s smoking hot
B – She’s a huge baseball fan
C – She’s smoking hot

I know, demerits for sleeping with half the 2003 all-star pitchers, but I don’t care

by Jason Collette on Apr 18, 2008 5:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Longoria deal:

Smart with almost no chance of backfiring. I mean the chances of him not working out/dying are about 10%, add the Devil Ray multiplier and we’re talking 45%, max.

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Johnson has been disappointing in the majors but has walked a lot, not struck out particularly often and hit for decent power when healthy. And his minor league record is quite impressive. So while Ruggiano has done well in 9 at bats in TB this year, his overall record is far less impressive and has less major league data to support optimism. And while Gomes has done very well this year against righties, it is in just 20 ABs, and his history suggests that he has serious trouble hitting them.

I don’t think you have to postulate a serious Pena injury to consider acquiring Johnson a sensible move, although that is also possible. He adds depth to the left handed side of the offense and might serve as a useful trade chip when Floyd returns or allow someone else to be dealt in a useful trade. (I know the A’s could not get anyone for him, but he had 1 AB all year and everyone knew the A’s had no use for him any more. Plus it is early in the year and the market might change later.)

Seems to me like a deal with no downside and some possible benefits.

by bobr on Apr 18, 2008 3:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

“Left-hander Scot Kazmir and center fielder B.J. Upton are two other players that the Rays have an interest in signing to multiyear deals.”

"I've seen many, many blue skies turn gray, but the sun will eventually return, and so will I. So will I." - Carlos Pena

by R.J. Anderson on Apr 18, 2008 4:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Great news all around.

Signing Longoria long term is amazing and I’m a fan of Dan Johnson. Johnson has shown good power when he’s healthy and was given a regular chance to play. He’ll fit in fine as a DH, and backup 1B giving good depth.

by floridaroar on Apr 18, 2008 4:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Big mistake to cut Medlock for Johnson...

In the Name of Shinji Mori, we shall win!

by thebaddancingraysfan on Apr 18, 2008 5:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Doubt it.

by putupyourDUKES on Apr 18, 2008 5:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

of course you doubt it,

you think every move the FO makes is brilliant, can’t miss, and has a 0% chance of being wrong…

..lemming

by davidsmarch on Apr 18, 2008 6:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

did anyone see the segment they did on baseball tonight about this deal? they’re saying its a good deal for the rays and an ok deal for longoria. they said other players around the league weren’t happy with him signing that low because of the precedent it sets.

by dropkicknu on Apr 18, 2008 10:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs