The Evan Longoria thread (1 Viewer)

[Billy Bats]

From MLB.com

Looking for any updates on Evan throughout ST and what your thoughts are on his rookie season potential.

 

[Eephus]

In before the Tony Parker joke

 

[MAC_32]

If he's the opening day starter I have him for .285, 80 runs, 27 HRs, 95 RBIs. I'm beginning to think he's not going to be the opening day starter though so for now I've moved him below Kouz and Blalock, but above Reynolds and LaRoche.

 

[Eephus]

Hard to project HR, R & RBI numbers w/out knowing how many MLB ABs he gets. I got burned badly by Alex Gordon last year so I'm probably overly skeptical, but I'd go with .274 in 450 ABs w/ 17 HRs, and around 75 Rs and RBI +/- 8.

 

[Knightro]

good stuff

 

[Your Mother]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).

Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

 

[Balco]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

That is a very good strategy. You get so much value when you draft a much hyped prospect who has "dissapointed" the year before. Gordon is going to have a ton of value. His numbers looked horrible, and his manager said he is batting 7th. People will be scared away. I predict he will be batting 7th for about 2 weeks.

 

[MAC_32]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

Longoria's not being selected until the mid 200's, Gordon's still going in the 125-150 zone. I think there's a greater chance of Longoria outproducing his draft position than Gordon.

 

[Sammy3469]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

Ryan Braun equaled the hype last year...having said that there are so many different, viable 3B options this year, I wouldn't go chasing any of these guys.

 

[Balco]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

Ryan Braun equaled the hype last year...having said that there are so many different, viable 3B options this year, I wouldn't go chasing any of these guys.

Braun really exceeded his hype. What a year.I agree, really think the 3B position has quite a bit of depth. I think Gordon is going to have a very nice year.

 

[shadyridr]

I think Gordon is gonna be a monster this year.

 

[Capella]

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp.

As for projections, who knows.

 

[pillowpants]

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp. As for projections, who knows.

Is there any chance Hinske steals some AB's early on?

 

[Capella]

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp. As for projections, who knows.

Is there any chance Hinske steals some AB's early on?

Possible I guess, if Aybar doesn't make it. I don't think Hinske would take any significant ABs though.

 

[MrPhoenix]

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp. As for projections, who knows.

Is there any chance Hinske steals some AB's early on?

Possible I guess, if Aybar doesn't make it. I don't think Hinske would take any significant ABs though.

Since 2004, Hinske has played a total of 10 games at 3B.Just saying.

 

[Billy Bats]

Get Alex Gordon this year, wait on Longoria (in a redraft).Staying a year behind the hype is always a pretty decent way to go.

In a redraft I agree wholeheartedly. I'm in an AL only keeper with a ML roster spot, so we actually have to get them during the hype and hope we pick the right prospect.

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp. As for projections, who knows.

Capella, are you able to watch TB spring games? If you can, keep us posted on what you see. TIA

I think Gordon is gonna be a monster this year.

I like him too, plan on drafting him with Longoria waiting in the wings.

Braun really exceeded his hype. What a year.

I dont' follow the NL as closely, was he as highly regarded as Longoria is now?

 

[Knightro]

For a while I thought he wouldn't be up until May 1st, but he's so far ahead of those stiffs Guzman and Aybar that I'll be pretty surprised if he doesn't win it out of camp. As for projections, who knows.

Aybar will make the team because he is going to be Josh Wilson this year. He can play all over the infield....and he's out of options. I believe Guzman is as well so I wouldn't be shocked if Longoria went down for the first 2-3 weeks to stall his free agency status (he'd still be a Super 2)

 

[shadyridr]

I dont' follow the NL as closely, was he as highly regarded as Longoria is now?

He was the 5th overall pick in '05.

 

[Eephus]

I dont' follow the NL as closely, was he as highly regarded as Longoria is now?

He was the 5th overall pick in '05.

John Sickels rated Braun as the #6 minor league hitting prospect going into 2007, behind both Alex Gordon and Andy LaRoche at his position.

 

[Sammy3469]

I dont' follow the NL as closely, was he as highly regarded as Longoria is now?

He was the 5th overall pick in '05.

John Sickels rated Braun as the #6 minor league hitting prospect going into 2007, behind both Alex Gordon and Andy LaRoche at his position.

though to be fair, I think that ranking included his haaarrrrrrible defense (which is one of the many reasons you have to take propect rankings with a grain of salt for fantasy purposes.). I think everyone always thought he'd mash...sort of like Butler in that regard.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Every time I see this thread I think of someone else....

 

[Billy Bats]

ST. PETERSBURG -- One of the biggest questions heading toward Opening Day is whether Evan Longoria will make the jump to the Major Leagues or spend another year as a prospect in Tampa Bay's farm system.

While lockers of teammates are slowly being emptied around him, Longoria is surprisingly even-keeled when asked about his future.

"I'm avoiding the cut dates, so that's the goal right now," he said. "But that's their decision, it's not mine to make."

On Feb. 13, manager Joe Maddon was quoted as saying it would be at least a month before a decision could be made on his top prospect, and as the Rays delve deeper into Spring Training, Longoria's future still remains unclear.

What Longoria has made clear, in arguably the most important spring of his young career, is this: He can flat-out play.

Longoria has seen action in eight games and is batting .368 with five RBIs and a .520 on-base percentage. He has marveled fans, impressed teammates and done everything possible to convince the Rays staff that he belongs.

"He is a professional beyond his years," said first baseman Carlos Pena.

Pena, who had a breakout year last season after spending 2006 being shuttled around different farm systems, says Longoria looks ready.

"He has the talent, he handles himself well -- he can definitely play at this level," Pena said. "His [player] makeup is outstanding."

While Maddon says the decision will be based solely on how Longoria handles himself on a daily basis, it is hard to ignore the 22-year-old's solid swing and near-flawless defense.

After hitting his first home run in Tuesday's game, Longoria showed the exact poise Maddon has stressed, attributing the blast to a favorable wind and saying while it was great to get that first one "out of the way," it does little to affect his long-term goal.

As the Rays' No. 1 pick in the 2006 First-Year Player Draft, Longoria entered his second Major League camp this spring with a singular focus: To make the club.

"I feel like I have to be a contributor in some way, more or less play the role that they want me to play to help the team," Longoria said on Feb. 26.

Nearly three weeks later, it is hard to argue Longoria's obvious talent and maturity.

What is up for debate is the decision by the Rays, who have been known to show extreme patience in developing young talent.

Rays director of Minor League operations Mitch Lukevics says while the issue warrants plenty of discussion, it will ultimately come down to what is best for Longoria.

"They're not doing the expedient thing, they're doing the right thing," Lukevics said. "Evan's an outstanding young man, he's a good player, and he's going to be a better player, all in due time."

And with no one knowing when Longoria's time will be, the 22-year-old is simply enjoying his second spring in Major League camp.

"I've been really happy," Longoria said. "This spring, I'm getting my at-bats, I'm getting my playing time. It's the only thing I can ask for. I get a chance to prove some things."

http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/news/article....jsp&c_id=tb

 

[Knightro]

during the broadcast today, GM Andrew Friedman said a decision would be made on Longoria one way or the other by next Sunday.

 

[Capella]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

 

[Pnishthm]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

I'm sure you know better than me, but I went to the game yesterday and saw him first hand for the first time and he has a very nice swing. I would be surprised if they were able to hold him back especially considering their other options at 3rd and that the Rays think they can actually contend.

 

[Finless]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

Why?

 

[Capella]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

I'm sure you know better than me, but I went to the game yesterday and saw him first hand for the first time and he has a very nice swing. I would be surprised if they were able to hold him back especially considering their other options at 3rd and that the Rays think they can actually contend.

It's not that he's not ready, it's that if they hold him down for (12 days I think) they have him for another full-season.It's disappointing and somewhat cheap, but it's all about the

 

[Sinn Fein]

Its probably a money decision at this point. Longoria has shown he belongs.

The thing the Rays have to be careful with at this point, is not being penny wise, pound foolish. They can save millions, by sending Longoria down to start the season, but they have to worry about what kind of message they are sending to the team. It seems that Longoria is the best option they have at 3b. If they are sending him down to save money, then it sends a message to the other players, that money is more important than winning. That impacts the current players, and potential FA down the road.

We'll see.

 

[Capella]

Definitely agree Sinn. Players like BJ and CC, Kaz and Shields all think they can win this year. Even if the difference between Ayabar and Longoria is minimal over 6 weeks, it is definitely the wrong message.

 

[Knightro]

The Rays can send him down for the 1st two weeks of the year and save a few bucks as he would not have full credit for an entire year when it comes to free agency. He'd have Super Two status so he'd be eligible for arbitration earlier than most guys that are called up in June.

 

[shadyridr]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

I'm sure you know better than me, but I went to the game yesterday and saw him first hand for the first time and he has a very nice swing. I would be surprised if they were able to hold him back especially considering their other options at 3rd and that the Rays think they can actually contend.

It's not that he's not ready, it's that if they hold him down for (12 days I think) they have him for another full-season.It's disappointing and somewhat cheap, but it's all about the

I dont know if thats necessarily cheap. To control him for an extra year just by keeping him down a measly 12 days sounds like a good idea IMO. Thats not even a trip on the DL.

 

[Sinn Fein]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

I'm sure you know better than me, but I went to the game yesterday and saw him first hand for the first time and he has a very nice swing. I would be surprised if they were able to hold him back especially considering their other options at 3rd and that the Rays think they can actually contend.

It's not that he's not ready, it's that if they hold him down for (12 days I think) they have him for another full-season.It's disappointing and somewhat cheap, but it's all about the

I dont know if thats necessarily cheap. To control him for an extra year just by keeping him down a measly 12 days sounds like a good idea IMO. Thats not even a trip on the DL.

I'll disagree. It sends the wrong message to players and fans - they want to hear that winning is more important than money. The Rays appear to be on the cusp of having a very good, exciting young team (a lot has to pan out, but things look good). If the team capitalizes on that excitement, then the fans will show up at the park.But from a practical standpoint - if Longoria plays up to expectations, the Rays should be positioning themselves to eventually sign him to a long-term deal. If he is an MVP-caliber talent - then in the words of Teddy KGB - pay that man his money. On the other hand, if he flames out, then the Rays should not be worried about having him for an extra year. They will know long before his time is up whether he is an all-star or journeyman.

 

[Regular Crust Pizza]

I don't think he's going to be on the Opening Day roster. Expect him in mid-May.

I'm sure you know better than me, but I went to the game yesterday and saw him first hand for the first time and he has a very nice swing. I would be surprised if they were able to hold him back especially considering their other options at 3rd and that the Rays think they can actually contend.

It's not that he's not ready, it's that if they hold him down for (12 days I think) they have him for another full-season.It's disappointing and somewhat cheap, but it's all about the

I dont know if thats necessarily cheap. To control him for an extra year just by keeping him down a measly 12 days sounds like a good idea IMO. Thats not even a trip on the DL.

I'll disagree. It sends the wrong message to players and fans - they want to hear that winning is more important than money. The Rays appear to be on the cusp of having a very good, exciting young team (a lot has to pan out, but things look good). If the team capitalizes on that excitement, then the fans will show up at the park.But from a practical standpoint - if Longoria plays up to expectations, the Rays should be positioning themselves to eventually sign him to a long-term deal. If he is an MVP-caliber talent - then in the words of Teddy KGB - pay that man his money. On the other hand, if he flames out, then the Rays should not be worried about having him for an extra year. They will know long before his time is up whether he is an all-star or journeyman.

the Ray's chances of winning and competing this season with Longoria for an extra 12 days <<<<<<< The Ray's chance of competing a couple years down the road with an extra year of further developed Longoria, plus experience for the rest of the team.Seems like a no brainer for me, even with out thinking about saving money.

 

[Limp Ditka]

The St. Petersburg Times speculates that Evan Longoria will begin the season at Triple-A, with Willy Aybar starting at third base for the Rays.Longoria has certainly played well enough this spring to claim the job, but the Rays may have made their minds up before camp opened. An official decision is expected to come later this week, but even if he heads to the minors Longoria figures to make his big league debut by the All-Star break. Source: St Petersburg Times Related: Willy Aybar

 

[Billy Bats]

The St. Petersburg Times speculates that Evan Longoria will begin the season at Triple-A, with Willy Aybar starting at third base for the Rays.Longoria has certainly played well enough this spring to claim the job, but the Rays may have made their minds up before camp opened. An official decision is expected to come later this week, but even if he heads to the minors Longoria figures to make his big league debut by the All-Star break. Source: St Petersburg Times Related: Willy Aybar

:(

 

[The Ghost of Common]

BULL####

 

[Capella]

Just to make everyone even more upset, Cole Hamels had a perfect game going in the 5th today until Longoria jacked a homer off him.

Sucks if he gets sent down, but it's probably the right move.

 

[Finless]

Just to make everyone even more upset, Cole Hamels had a perfect game going in the 5th today until Longoria jacked a homer off him.Sucks if he gets sent down, but it's probably the right move.

When will we see him? May? I reached for him in one of my drafts. My team was stacked so I could afford to but I'd still like to see him play sometime this spring.

 

[Wu-banger]

I have him and Gordon backing up D. Wright .... but would still love to see him in the Bigs.

 

[Sinn Fein]

Rays want Longoria

Here is the latest from MLB.com. In a nutshell, the players want Longoria on the team, because they think he gives them the best shot to win, but understand it might be a business decision.

 

[Billy Bats]

Rays want Longoria

Here is the latest from MLB.com. In a nutshell, the players want Longoria on the team, because they think he gives them the best shot to win, but understand it might be a business decision.

I was coming in to post this as well. Interesting article, and everyone is saying the right things, but we all know how each one feels. It's sickening that teams would sacrifice a better chance at winning because of $$$$. Keep the kid around, it sounds like he deserves it and can definitely help the team. DO THE RIGHT THING TAMPA!!

 

[NY/NJMFDIVER]

So whats the updated consensus? 12 days in the minors or 3 months?

I took him in round 13 of a 14 teamer, but I'll be bummed if going to be in the minors that long. I do have Braun to slot in at 3rd, but based on reports, I'd love to see what this guy could do and shift Braun to the OF.

 

[Capella]

So whats the updated consensus? 12 days in the minors or 3 months? I took him in round 13 of a 14 teamer, but I'll be bummed if going to be in the minors that long. I do have Braun to slot in at 3rd, but based on reports, I'd love to see what this guy could do and shift Braun to the OF.

Probably up in May.

 

[TitusIII]

It makes perfect sense to keep him down for a month, the longer it takes for him to demand $10 million per, the better...

With that being said, he's no Joey Votto!

 

[Finless]

It makes perfect sense to keep him down for a month, the longer it takes for him to demand $10 million per, the better...With that being said, he's no Joey Votto!

This sends the wrong message to the Rays. They finally feel like a contender and ownership/management wants to kick their season off like this?...to save some coin in a few years? What a joke.

 

[Billy Bats]

I'm with this guy.

 

[Billy Bats]

This kid has a pretty good attitude:

EVAN ALMIGHTY: A verdict on whether 3B prospect Evan Longoria starts in the majors or the minors is expected in the next few days, and he feels he has stated his case well, hitting .289 with teams highs in homers (three), RBIs (10) and walks (10), though he knows there may be more to the decision, such as contractual implications.

"I'm not going to be disappointed in whatever decision they make," Longoria said. "I feel I've done enough, I feel that I deserve to be here, but it's not always going to be based on the best guy, or what's been done. It is a business, too, and I understand that."

http://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/ra...ticle428239.ece

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/24/sp...may-come-today/

 

[JohnnyU]

I'm with this guy.

A-Men brother Bill !!

 

[Capella]

down he goes..

Rays 3B prospect Evan Longoria was reassigned to minor-league camp after Monday's game.The decision has been one of the most anticipated of the spring, as the Rays weighed Longoria's long-term future against his present-day performance. Longoria, 22, made a strong case for himself, with a .262 average through Monday's game with 3 homers, 10 RBIs and 10 walks. But the Rays said from the start the decision will be based on more than just his performance in the games, citing intangibles and subjective topics. Plus, they've pointed out that he has had only 104 at-bats above the Double-A level, and noted how well Milwaukee's Ryan Braun did after starting last season in the minors while Kansas City's Alex Gordon struggled while starting the season in the majors.Plus there are implications on Longoria's eligibility for free agency and arbitration - if he stays in the minors for even a few weeks, his eligibility for free agency would be delayed a year, until after the 2014 season; if he stays in the minors for several months, he likely would not attain early elibility for arbitration, known as Super Two status, which could save the Rays millions, or even tens of millions, over the next several years.On Saturday, Longoria said: "I'm not going to be disappointed in whatever decision they make. I feel I've done enough, I feel that I deserve to be here, but it's not always going to be based on the best guy, or what's been done. It is a business, too, and I understand that."

 

[gump]

No surprise to me. This is baseball...home of the ridiculous disparity between the have and the have nots. And the haves are in the Rays division. They MUST do what they can to stretch their dollar.

Also, when the Rays hesitated a few weeks ago at a marketing deal promoting a player when Longoria was mentioned, I figured that was a pretty good sign! The deal will be with Upton instead, who the team really feels is their premier player going forward for the next few years. It's a cool deal...you won't be able to miss it in the Trop soon, and will be unique in MLB...and should be Sportscenter-friendly.

Rays are gearing everything towards '09.