HanRam gets his wish, heading to a contender

[VolsRaysBucs]

Rays and Royals agree on a blockbuster.
Rays send:
MI Hanley Ramirez 11.5M (2014)
OF B.J Upton 1.5M (2012)
OF Johnny Gomes 4M (2012)
P Ivan Nova 0.5M (2011)
P Tom Gorzelanny 1.5M (2012)

Royals send:
OF Michael Brantley $0.5m (P-2013)
OF Matt Joyce 0.5M (p-2011)
OF Trayvon Robinson 0.5M (p-n/a)
MI Jean Segura 0.5M (p-n/a)
P Zach Britton $2m (2014)   
P Jarrod Parker $0.5m (P-n/a)
MI Ryan Theriot $3.5m (2012)

Rays make this move for a number of reasons.  Hate to lose Hanley, but simply put, we were not one or two players away from being serious contenders.  Also, Hanley was overheard questioning the toughness of C Buster Posey.  "He could play through it if he really wanted to, he just likes the attention" Ramirez was overheard saying to several teammates.  Tampa can not have this type of chemistry. This deal solves our OF problems for years to come, gives us a solid MI spec to replace Hanley in a year or two and two top notch pitchers who figure to score very well in our format (regardless of potential scoring changes).  Tampa feels confident that with this move, coupled with those of the past month, we have the strongest farm in all of FGM and have positioned ourselves to be relevant for many years (I'm not biased either, it's a fact, google it).  Aside from needing to diversify our portfolio, we land 5 "prospect" contracts and another signed through 2014.
Talks were great, very smooth considering the names involved.  Kansas City to confirm.

*Tampa and Kansas City agree to cover the 2011 salaries of all players they are SENDING*

[Dan Wood]

Is any $$$$ changing hands - Hanley alone puts KC over budget

[kungfuwig]

I thought he didnt post it but he made an edit...we are paying the players we are sending their salaries. So this year stays the same. Then for next year I am losing 8 in salary and gaining 19, 11m difference that is what my cap is for next year. Joyce and Nova have same contract and end at the end of 2011. So I do this deal for obvious reason, get guys to play right now and should set my team up for the next 2-4 years. I have enough guys with small contracts to have Fielder, Ramirez, and Grienke. Down the road players might be tough to re-sign, but I am in it to win this year and 2012. Great negotiations over two days.

[Dan Wood]

Nice trade boys... :iatp:

[papps]

 :iatp:

[MillerTime]

 :iatp:

Nice trade, it looks like Mike liked Freddy's package. 

[nerwffej]

 :iatp:

[Colby]

What a haul of specs the Rays receive.

[Daniel]

 :iatp: good blockbuster

[Dan Wood]

I really hate you guys because now I have to process these two deals on Fantrax, and I am sure Rob is going to love filling out the excel sheet  :taco: :bacon: