Hats off to the Rays

[Cannon Shell]

Originally Posted by dalakhani

they payed Kazmir (sp?) and i think that is a sign of things to come. They had 30 some odd thousand the other night for a week night game and theyve never had that kind of attendance.

Hopefully they will reinvest the money.

Their payroll is actually $43 million for this year. However when you consider that Shields makes 1 million, Crawford 5, Garza 400k, Howell 400k, Jackson 400k, Iwamura 2.4, Navarro 400k, Upton 400k, and Longoria 400k the payroll is going to way up if they are to keep most of these guys. I dont know what the status is on a year by year basis but Shields is pitching himself into 15 million a year territory, Crawford is in the same range, Howell will be 4 or 5 million a year as a set up guy, Navarro is probably a 10 million a year catcher, and Upton and Longoria are still a few years away but arent going to be happy unless they get a raise and may be 20 million a year gys by then.

[opusone]

I know for sure they have Longoria signed for a long term deal. They wrote that deal after his first week up from the minors in April.

[opusone]

He hit his first career home run against the New York Yankees on April 14, 2008. The Rays signed Longoria to a six-year, $17.5 million contract with options for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

From wikipedia

[horseofcourse]

I predict a Cleveland Indians scenario for the Rays...they'll keep everyone and sign them young to long term contracts then the 2nd contract comes up they'll disappear...(see Belle, Albert, Ramirez, Manny, Thome, Jim, Sabathia, CC). They could be a serious team for 5-6-7 years however. I'll be rooting for them as open heart surgery with no anasthesia is more fun than watching the Yankees and Red Sox win.

[31lengths]

I have to admit....it's finally starting to set in. For those who don't know....I am on the Rays' grounds crew. We USED to dread when the bull pen came in because we knew it would be a long night. Now we are a BIT more confident.

It's also GREAT to see/hear more Rays fans than away team - especially Sox/Yanks fans.

New stadium probably won't happen. At least not yet. The location is awesome
(ask Chuck and TC) the area is just beautiful however I worked EVERY spring training game and it was pretty hot . The new design wont keep the heat out, just a straight down pour.

Anyway...if anyone is in town for a game, come down and see me. I'm the only bald grounds crew member and usually manicure 3rd base.

I am in the front row on the right.

[GBBob]

Originally Posted by 31lengths

I have to admit....it's finally starting to set in. For those who don't know....I am on the Rays' grounds crew. We USED to dread when the bull pen came in because we knew it would be a long night. Now we are a BIT more confident.

It's also GREAT to see/hear more Rays fans than away team - especially Sox/Yanks fans.

New stadium probably won't happen. At least not yet. The location is awesome
(ask Chuck and TC) the area is just beautiful however I worked EVERY spring training game and it was pretty hot . The new design wont keep the heat out, just a straight down pour.

Anyway...if anyone is in town for a game, come down and see me. I'm the only bald grounds crew member and usually manicure 3rd base.

I am in the front row on the right.

So..how do you get a gig like that? Did you know someone or just applied? I'm sure after a while it's just a job, but that's pretty cool

[31lengths]

Originally Posted by GBBob

So..how do you get a gig like that? Did you know someone or just applied? I'm sure after a while it's just a job, but that's pretty cool

Had some friends who worked there.

....and is only "just a job" after a while when you're losing.

[GPK]

Originally Posted by 31lengths

I have to admit....it's finally starting to set in. For those who don't know....I am on the Rays' grounds crew. We USED to dread when the bull pen came in because we knew it would be a long night. Now we are a BIT more confident.

It's also GREAT to see/hear more Rays fans than away team - especially Sox/Yanks fans.

New stadium probably won't happen. At least not yet. The location is awesome
(ask Chuck and TC) the area is just beautiful however I worked EVERY spring training game and it was pretty hot . The new design wont keep the heat out, just a straight down pour.

Anyway...if anyone is in town for a game, come down and see me. I'm the only bald grounds crew member and usually manicure 3rd base.

I am in the front row on the right.

Leo....lucky for you and I there are no height requirements for our jobs.

[GBBob]

Shouldn't Bigs be on that crew?

[31lengths]

Originally Posted by GPK

Leo....lucky for you and I there are no height requirements for our jobs.

LOL....got that right Kev!

[Crown@club]

Originally Posted by opusone

He hit his first career home run against the New York Yankees on April 14, 2008. The Rays signed Longoria to a six-year, $17.5 million contract with options for 2014, 2015 and 2016.

From wikipedia

.....piling on.....

Its a one year option for 2014, and a 2 year option to cover 2015-2016.
Those are club options. Total worth could be $44 million.