......not to sign, Jay Bruce prior to Opening Day? Consider the following.....
Longoria LINKLongoria’s a different animal. His agent, Paul Cohen, ought to have a very, very short client list after negotiating that disaster of a contract for Longoria. The Rays control him through 2016, when he will still cost a maximum of $14,050,000. And that’s if he makes the All-Star team and fulfills incentives related to MVP voting. Of all the people listed so far, Longoria might represent the most valuable asset
Upton LINKAlthough Justin (Upton) will only earn $500,000 this year aside from his $1.25 million bonus, he has already earned longtime security after only two full MLB seasons. Justin will earn $14.5 million in the final year of his contract in 2015, the second largest contract in the history of the Diamondbacks (6 years 51.25 mill).
I think you must sign these potential superstars to long term deals early to keep them. The timing of such a deal is the most important aspect of it all and I think now is the time before he goes thru the roof. These deals aren't for every prospect but Bruce I think is a special case. Using these prior deals shouldn't we try to nestle Bruce in between the 2 (say 7-8 years 55 million) before he explodes? Also let's not forget he is not far from arbitration and Ryan Howard got 10 million on his 1st year in arb.