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Kazmir Gets 3-Year, $28.5 Million Extension

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By MARC LANCASTER

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 15, 2008

ST. PETERSBURG - On Jan. 18, the day Scott Kazmir agreed to terms on a contract for this season, the Rays' ace barely made the headlines.

For it was that same day that the Rays locked up Carlos Pena to a lucrative three-year deal and word leaked out that James Shields was deep in negotiations on a monster contract of his own. Asked then why he wasn't interested in signing long term just yet, Kazmir emphasized that he was open to the possibility down the road, but he indicated he hadn't seen quite enough yet from the team to commit.

It didn't take long for the Rays to persuade him.

Kazmir agreed Wednesday to a contract that will keep him in a Rays uniform through at least 2011, with a team option for 2012. The deal guarantees him at least $28.5 million and would pay him $39.5 million if the option is picked up.

Kazmir will continue to play under his current contract this season, making $3.785 million. His new deal will pay him $6 million next year, $8 million in 2010 and $12 million in 2011. The club option is for $13.5 million, with a $2.5 million buyout if it is declined. If Kazmir is traded, he would receive an additional $800,000.

Assuming the option is executed, Kazmir will be trading his first two years eligible for free agency for the security of guaranteed money now - and potentially losing out on a massive payday once he hit the open market. That sacrifice wasn't much of a consideration, he said.

"I knew from coming into spring training this year that this is the place that I wanted to be, this is the place that I wanted to play for," said Kazmir. "I wanted to win and play in October in Tampa Bay. I'm just happy that we got everything accomplished, and now it's just going out there and winning ballgames."

It should be easier for the Rays to keep doing that at an unprecedented pace with Kazmir locked up for the long haul along with Pena, Shields, Evan Longoria and Dan Wheeler, the other players signed for at least three seasons since the beginning of the year.

"It's something that we've been consistent about throughout, for the past two years, is that it's our goal not only to develop premium players but also to retain them," said Rays executive vice president Andrew Friedman. "We've got a tremendous nucleus of players on the field and it's important for us to keep these guys playing together for a long period of time."

The money the Rays have committed to others in the clubhouse didn't go unnoticed by Kazmir.

"Seeing the whole core of guys that is going to be around for a while, it really weighed on my decision," he said. "That's what motivated me."

Friedman said the team and Kazmir's representatives have had ongoing discussions since the winter. The parties didn't want the matter to linger into the season, but when Kazmir opened the year on the disabled list with a strained left elbow, they decided to keep hammering out the details, which were nearly finalized when Kazmir made his season debut May 4.

At a news conference that began about 20 minutes before the Rays' game with the Yankees, Friedman acknowledged that Kazmir probably wouldn't have agreed to such a deal without all the other moves the team has made lately, and the pitcher seconded that. The 24-year-old talked about the changes he has seen in his time with the team that nudged him in the direction of a lengthy commitment.

"It's not about the money," said Kazmir. "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."

Now that Kazmir is in the books, about the only foundation piece still unsigned for the long haul is B.J. Upton. The center fielder said last month he would be willing to listen at the right time, and it may not be only Friedman doing the talking.

Has Kazmir started the sales pitch on his good friend yet?

"Not yet," he said. "I will, though."

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