The Rays took it to the wire but managed to come to terms with their two most significant arbitration-eligible players without going to a hearing. The Rays earlier today agreed to a three-year, $24.125-million deal with Carlos Pena that will become official when he passes a physical. They also have agreed in principle with left-hander Scott Kazmir on a one-year contract despite some pessimism that a deal would get done. The team is in the midst of hammering out the details with Kazmir’s representatives.
Pena would get $6 million this season, $8 million in 2009 and $10.125 million in 2010. The parties have agreed to a one-year, $6-million contract for 2008 that would serve as Pena’s deal if for some reason he doesn’t pass the physical that is a prerequisite for any long-term commitment. But assuming he does pass it, that one-year deal will be replaced by the big three-year contract.
Your thoughts? Are these moves the precursor of perhaps the Rays turning things around?
