Starting a Franchise From Scratch: Evan Longoria

by 3460kuri on Nov 25, 2011 11:00 AM EST in New York Yankees Analysis

There are probably a half dozen legitimate picks for starting a franchise around, but if I had the first overall pick in the new franchise draft, my choice would be pretty easy: Evan Longoria.

Why?

Longoria is one of the most well-rounded players in baseball, providing tons of value on the field at a premium defensive positions as well as with his bat and on the bases.
He's young. Having just turned 26 about a month ago, Longoria already has two 7+ WAR seasons under his belt, and his probably not in his prime yet. Why?
He's still getting better. His strikeout rate has dropped, and his walk rate has increased, in each of his four MLB seasons. 2011 seemed to be a statistical down year for him, but it appears to be more a fluke than a trend. He only got hits 24% of the time when putting the ball in play, ordinarily he's closer to 30%. Put his new, higher walk rate and power rate with a typical BABIP, and you're looking at a .300/.400/.550 season. That plus good defense from a third baseman, and you're looking at the one player in baseball most likely to put up a 10 WAR season in the next few years.
In case you weren't already sold, Longoria is signed to the most ridiculously team-friendly contract that we're likely to see in a long time. Assuming that his no-brainer options for 2014-2016 are picked up, the Rays will have Longoria under control for the next 5 seasons for a total of $40.5 million, or about 30% more than what A-Rod made last season. Longoria is likely to provide the Rays at least 30 WAR over that time, and that kind of value should ensure that they'll be competitive throughout the next half decade.

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Comments

To call his defense "good" is really underrating him

He’s elite. He and Beltre are the only 3b of their class in the AL.

He has amazing instincts. Remember the Golston play? Beautiful!

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 25, 2011 11:27 AM EST reply actions

You mean on defense?

Because A-Rod when he’s healthy is just as good with the bat. Defense is a different story obviously.

Longo’s really good though.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Nov 25, 2011 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Yes defense

Which is why I titled my post “To call his defense ‘good’ is really underrating him”

Also, the bit about instincts and the Golston play. Where did I lose you? lol

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 25, 2011 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

It's Golson

by MichaelGGBGrabow on Nov 25, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 25, 2011 2:12 PM EST up reply actions

lol I read it fast

Also the triple play on Russ he turned (though it was Russ) was pretty impressive and showed pretty good instincts as well.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Nov 25, 2011 2:33 PM EST up reply actions

Bingo.

Realist.

by DCyanks21 on Nov 25, 2011 12:39 PM EST reply actions

I really like this pick as well

I have to admit, for some reason I had it in my head Longo was older. Kind of hard to fact check your bad assumptions, when you don’t realize you are making them… :-(

Nice post, kuri.

by waw on Nov 25, 2011 12:45 PM EST reply actions

This would be my second pick after Tulo

Only because I think an elite shortstop like Tulo is is more valuable than an elite third baseman. Can’t really go wrong with Longoria though. He’s become one of the best all around third baseman in the league.

Let us all congratulate the Boston Red Sox for becoming the first World Champions in the history of sports to NOT make the postseason! Thats not easy to do!

by nyyrocks29 on Nov 25, 2011 1:52 PM EST reply actions

His K% is also dropping per season

which is amazing for a player with his talent

by lololol on Nov 25, 2011 6:38 PM EST reply actions

But batting average

Last night, a comedian died in New York. Somebody knows why. Somebody knows

by Rorschach44 on Nov 25, 2011 11:14 PM EST via mobile reply actions

lol

by benderbrodriguez on Nov 26, 2011 12:46 AM EST up reply actions

Most overrated player in baseball...

…behind Pedroia

by jjdel8895 on Nov 26, 2011 9:50 AM EST reply actions

Sure he is

Rec Generating Database
Jedi Master A-Rod is a poster on Pinstripe Alley. He can be reached by clicking the "Reply" button below his comments.

by Jedi Master A-Rod on Nov 26, 2011 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

Since 2008, Longoria trails ONLY Albert Pujols in position player fWAR and is #1 overall in fWAR in the AL among all players

Longoria has amounted 26.9 WAR in his career and has won multiple awards including 2 GG (AND ACTUALLY DESERVED THEM).

How do you overrate a guy who just turned 26 last month and is, barring a career ending injury, on a HOF track?

8895? Is that your birthday? lol

Am I the only one flagging this guy?
Seriously, do we have to wait for the money shot or a "F*** THE SOXXXXXX!" before we ban him? Doubleteapot… BAN HIM!!

by AlohaSox on Sep 28, 2011 10:20 PM CDT

by SandalsNoPants on Nov 26, 2011 11:20 AM EST up reply actions