Pena a $15-million man?

High-powered agent Scott Boras had some interesting things to say about 1B Carlos Pena, and how the Rays proceed in signing the slugger will show how series they are about winning. Here is what was in today's Times:

ANAHEIM, Calif. — 1B Carlos Pena is not only the best comeback story in baseball this year but also the biggest bargain. And his agent, Scott Boras, said how the Rays proceed in negotitating a long-term deal will be a reflection of ownership’s commitment to winning.
“Carlos Pena is the greatest player to ever put on a Devil Ray uniform,” Boras said at Angel Stadium before Monday’s game. “This will be kind of a litmus test for ownership. He’s a complete player. He’s a young player. We’ll certainly listen to what they have to say, if they want to say anything. …
“I think they got more than a $10-million benefit this year by getting a player who had probably a $15-million season for about $1.2-million, and good for them. They made the right decision, someone else made the wrong decision.”
The Rays did get a lot — 40 homers and a run at the team record of 117 RBIs — for an $800,000 salary and $400,000 in incentives. They control Pena’s rights for two more years, at arbitration-driven salaries, and could wait to see if he can maintain his level of play before making an extended commitment. But Pena, 29, has said repeatedly how much he wants to stay with them, and the Rays are believed to have already initiated discussions on a three- or four-year deal.
Boras said Pena has had “one of the top five seasons” in the majors and, along with his presence in the clubhouse and community, can be “a franchise-type” player — similar to what David Ortiz became in Boston after being let go by Minnesota — and obviously deserves to be paid accordingly. Boras also said they will be “patient” and do what’s best for Pena and is curious to see what happens.
“There’s no evidence to suggest that Tampa’s ever committed that kind of dollars to a premium player, and we’ll just wait and see if it’s in their framework to do it,” Boras said.
“And I’m sure their fans are waiting to see that, too, knowing also that Tampa Bay is one of the most successful economic franchises in the sense that their payroll is so low (about $25-million) and they’re generating probably $140-million worth of gross revenues. When you count revenue sharing, the national TV package and licensing you’re almost talking about $80-million before they even sell a ticket.”

Comments

[wiggy]

For once Boros is right. Looks like another test that Rays ownership won't pass. They've failed their two biggest challenges thus far:

1) Hiring a primo numbskull as manager

2) Not taking care of the team's most obvious need last off-season--relief pitching,

The core of good young players won't be signing any contract extensions in this demoralizing atmosphere.

[casey]

Boras is absolutely right.. obviously..tampa is not putting in the money to make this franchise a championship team... and they do have the money... I think they should keep Pena in this team.. he was definitely the MVP and the leader of this team...
all we need is some pitching and we got a ring coming...