James Shields and Locking-Up the Youngsters

The Tampa Bay Rays were unable to negotiate a longterm contract with ace LHP Scott Kazmir, but quickly moved forward, giving RHP James Shields a four-year contract extension with three separate one year club options, which could make the deal worth as much as $44 million. Shields, 26, is coming off a solid season for the Rays, pitching 215 innings with a 3.85 ERA, 184/36 K/BB ratio and a 12-8 record.

This type of move is exactly the type teams should explore, trading potentially $44 million in expense for cost certainty and retaining their young pitcher through his most productive seasons. If there is ever a time to give a player $44 million, it isn’t when RHP Carlos Silva hits the free agent market, its when a player shows enough promise to actually be worth the money. Also, giving pitchers long contracts is generally never a good idea, certainly longer than 3 years, but having three club options is unheard of and worth the risk. Like the Tulowtizki deal, this move will keep the young star past his age 30 season, when most players are on the decline. This move represents exactly the type of creativity that small market teams must use in order to build a competitive ballclub.

There are a number of young players that could also sign similar contracts and it would benefit their organizations to do so. It is key to sign player before they have enough service time under their belt to think they can strike it rich as free agents. This strategy is especially important for small market teams and teams out of contention because they are less likely to be able to replace superior talent.

Here is a complete list of players who should sign longterm contracts, if they are open to staying where they are (a big ‘if’):

• AZ: CF-R ChrisYoung
• BAL: OF-L Nick Markakis
• BOS: 2B-R Dustin Pedroia
• CLE: RHP Fausto Carmona
• COL: LHP Jeff Francis
• DET: CF-L Curtis Granderson, RHP Justin Verlander
• FL: SS-R Hanley Ramirez, RF-L Jeremy Hermida
• LAA: RHP Jered Weaver
• LAD: C-R Russell Martin (in a chat here, GM Ned Colletti said they tried, but Martin’s agent refused)
• MIL: 1B-L Prince Fielder
• NYM: RHP John Maine
• NYY: 2B-L Robinson Cano
• PHI: LHP Cole Hammels, 1B-L Ryan Howard (they’re trying hard with Howard)
• SF: RHP Matt Cain, Tim Lincecum
• SEA: RHP Felix Hernandez
• WAS: 3B-R Ryan Zimmerman

Did I miss anyone? There are other players who could qualify, but these are the no-brainers. It may not be possible in every case or it may take some creativity, but if these players can be retained, they must be. It will be interesting to see if any of these players do get locked up between now and Spring Training.
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Bob Gibson strikes out 17 in a World Series game. Ridiculous video, a lot of fun to watch. (Don’t Waste Wine)

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Baseball Prospectus’ Rany Jazayerli crunches some numbers and points out some interesting things from 2007. Hanley Ramirez and Dan Uggla had the most extra base hits ever for a middle infield tandem.