In Giant deal, Longoria to SF
There were reports this offseason that the Yankees were interested in acquiring Tampa Bay’s Evan Longoria.
That never happened and now the Bombers and the rest of the AL East won’t have to worry anymore about the Rays slugger.
Longoria — who in 168 career games has 35 homers, 104 RBI and a .273 average against the Yankees — was traded from Tampa Bay on Wednesday to the San Francisco Giants for outfielder Denard Span, star infield prospect Christian Arroyo and two minor league pitchers.
“I’m looking forward to bringing everything I can and more to the clubhouse and the organization and being back in the postseason and winning like I expect to do,” Longoria said. “It’s an even year coming up and I know the Giants win in even years. That I am looking forward to.”
Third base had been a priority for San Francisco, and Longoria’s durability means so much, too. He has played at least 156 games in each of the past five years, all 162 in 2014, and also hit 20 or more homers in each of those five seasons.
“He’s sorely needed and will be a great addition for us,” Giants general manager Bobby Evans said.
It marked the first big offseason move by each organization.
Tampa Bay in effect is responsible for $14.5 million of the $88 million Longoria is owed, and the Rays took on $13 million in guaranteed money due Span.
Longoria had $86 million in remaining guaranteed salary and buyout as part of a contract that runs through 2022 and contains a 2023 club option. The 32-year-old leaves Tampa Bay as the longest-tenured player in franchise history, after spending 10 of his big league seasons in a Rays uniform. He is the club’s leader with 1,435 games, 261 home runs and 892 RBI. Longoria started all 30 of the Rays’ postseason games at third.
Longoria batted .261 with 20 homers and 86 RBI last season. during an interviw about whether he was aware of Derek Jeter’s plan to cut payroll and trade star players, namely Giancarlo Stanton, when the sale was made.
“You know, it’s interesting,” Manfred began before Le Batard jumped in.
“Yes or no, please,” Le Batard said in a condescending tone. “Yes or no, please.”
That’s when Manfred got heated.
“I’m not gonna be deposed like this is some adversary thing. You wanna ask me questions, I’ll answer them the way that I want to answer them. If that’s not good enough, we can move on,” an irritated Manfred responded.
“That’s fine, I’ll do it that way,” LeBatard answered. “But you’re coming on here and saying that you weren’t aware of Jeter’s plan to trade players and slash payroll? We’re starting with a lie, Rob! Like, that’s where we’re starting! You can’t tell me you’re not aware of that.”
Manfred was having none of it.
“I’m not going to sit here and have you call me a liar,” Manfred snapped back.
Manfred repeatedly denied that he was aware of the Marlins’ new ownership group’s plan to slash payroll and ship talent out of Miami.
The new ownership group led by Bruce Sherman and Jeter have been repeatedly criticized for its handling of the team.
Stanton’s trade to the Yankees to shed his mammoth contract came following reports that the new ownership group was already in a difficult financial situation.
The team also traded Dee Gordon and Marcell Ozuna, with reports surfacing that outfielder Christian Yelich and catcher J.T. Realmuto are both unhappy with the turn of events in Miami.
The team also hosted a “town hall meeting” with season-ticket holders on Tuesday, where Jeter was ripped by discontented fans.