MVN - Most Valuable Network

Kaz is a Ray through 2012--dbullsfan(flickr)

Rays & Kazmir agree on 4 Yr Extension

UPDATE 7:49 From TBO.com the deal breaks down like this

2009 - $6 million
2010 - $8 million
2011 - $12 million
2012 option - $13.5 million (or $2.5 million buyout)

Here are some quotes on the deal:

“It’s something that we’ve been working hard to do over the past couple of years and it’s something that, as we continue to win games and play in October, we envision Scott anchoring the staff for us,” said Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman.

“We envision it being a series of contracts that keeps Scott in this uniform for a long time,” said Friedman.

“We envision it being a series of contracts that keeps Scott in this uniform for a long time,” said Friedman.

“It’s not about the money,” Kazmir said. “It’s about me being comfortable and just loving to play the game. I love being here with all the teammates I have, the coaching staff, the front office – everything.”

UPDATE 6:47 Kazmir has agreed to a 4 year extension worth a possible $39.5 Million Dollars. The first three years(2009-2011) are guaranteed. The Rays hold an option for 2012.

The official Press Release can be found here. This means the core of Kazmir, Shields, Longoria, Garza and Upton will all be Rays through at least 2012.  The option year bascially means the Kaz have bought out Kazmir’s first two years of free agency for less than market value. Another excellent deal for the Rays and Andrew Friedman. Can we give him executive of the year before May 15?

UPDATE 6:44: Ive been told Kazmir will resign for three years plus possible options. 

 Hat tip to Cork Gaines of Rays Index who got the Buzz started after hearing Stu Sternberg make this comment on Mike and the Mad Dog.

 “We are exploring something with our other star pitcher as we speak right now”

Now Marc Topkin of the St. Pete Times is reporting the following:

The Rays just said they will a “major announcement” at 6:45 p.m. Greg Genske, the agent for LHP Scott Kazmir, was seen at the stadium this afternoon, so it could be that Kazmir has signed a multi-year deal.
In his first year of arbitration eligibility, Kazmir agreed to a one-year deal for $3.785-million. He missed the first five weeks of the season recovering from a spring training left elbow strain.

If it is indeed what we are thinking that would mean the Rays would’ve signed Kazmir, Shields, Longoria all long term within the past 6 months and have the best record in the AL on May14, I may past out from the madness. Be sure to check back for the updates and check out my post about Jim Hickey below.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, May 14th, 2008 at 5:40 pm and is filed under MVN Rays. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.