Would you have guessed that everything would be coming up roses for the Rays this late in the season? They're on a six game winning streak, an eleven game win streak at home (three in Orlando, eight in Tampa), and they just overtook the Red Sox for first place in the A.L. East. But it's not only the present that looks bright, but it's the future ... as they've just locked up another piece.
The Rays and Scott Kazmir have agreed to terms on a contract extension at least through 2011, with the team holding an option for 2012. The deal, which begins next season, guarantees Kazmir at least $28.5 million and could be worth up to $39.5 million. (...)Not long ago, the Rays made a list of the ten worst franchises in all of sports. There are many ways you can invalidate that list which are more meaningful than the following: but since that list came out, the Rays are 6-0. And now they have one of the brightest young stars in baseball locked up for the next four years. I think they might finally be off that list.
"I think for the four years that I've been here, we've seen a lot of changes," said Kazmir, "and I think this past offseason we really addressed a lot of issues that needed to be addressed ... 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."
Kazmir, acquired in midseason 2004 from the Mets, is already the Rays' all-time leader in wins, strikeouts, starts and innings pitched.
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