Still a Field of Dreams
Way back when the extension was announced, there were two big pieces of news that Thomas Bassinger and the Tampa Bay Times relayed:
"Principal owner Stuart Sternberg called Longoria “somebody we would expect and believe could be a Ray for life.”"
That comment was de rigueur. But perhaps not this caveat.
"Sternberg, a former Goldman Sachs partner, talked about the team’s “astoundingly big commitment” and its need to find new streams of revenue. “If by the end of this contract we’re not (in a new stadium), it’s not going to work out well,” he said."
I recently visited Ybor City while covering the Yankees. The proposed site pointed out to me still has grass on it, since there are no signs announcing the area as the future site of the stadium. Even as recently as three weeks ago, the mayor said that without more local funding the city could not move forward with the planning.
That’s how close Tampa is in receiving a new stadium.
So, Not That Close
So Longoria had to go. And that would be fine if the Rays could have either dumped all of his salary or gotten back a treasure trove of talented prospects. They were unable to do either.
"Longoria was traded from Tampa Bay on Wednesday for outfielder Denard Span, star infield prospect Christian Arroyo and two minor league pitchers Tampa Bay in effect is responsible for $14.5 million of the $88 million Longoria is owed, and the Rays took on $13 million in guaranteed money due Span."
That last quote came courtesy of the NY Post.
Looking at his contract, there is an issue of deferred money. But as I am not sure if this is included in the 14.5 million, I am leaving it out of my analysis. Either way, the Rays will pay almost $28 million for Longoria to play for the Giants and an even worse player to suit up for them.
Tampa did get back up-and-coming prospect 3B Christian Arroyo, currently ranked 57th by MLB.com. Remember that Yankees Miguel Andujar and fellow third baseman is ranked 65th. That, however, merely swaps an established player for a hoped-for one, not an overwhelming return.
And so, far from being a forever Ray, Longoria is leaving with five years remaining on his six-year extension.
A Thought Experiment
Do you really think that if and when Arroyo turns out to be every bit as good as Longoria, the Rays are going to sign him to a long-term deal? Especially after seeing Longoria fade well before his 30th birthday?
Not likely.
In fact, it is getting less likely that anyone hands out any long-term deals, here meaning anything over four or five years maximum, and then only for the best available free agents. And if the
GM’s get their way; most contracts will be closer to two-year deals.