I’d also throw this into the pile of information: Lawrie still has room to grow as a defender. So, while Longoria may be “better” than him right now, there’s a fair chance that Lawrie will be just as good, if not better, at 3B in the future. Judging by how well he made the transition from 2B to 3B, no easy feat, he should be much better over time.

The Economics of the game don’t allow teams like the Jays, Rays, and Rockies to sit on their money when the time is right. By investing in Lawrie now, the Jays would be saving themselves millions, would become a more attractive destination for free agents who also want assured competitiveness when they sign somewhere, and would also make it a more attractive place to re-sign for internal candidates.

If we wait until Lawrie has 2012 under his belt, he may not want to sign at all, and if he does, it will cost the Jays a lot more than it would today.

The Economics of the game don’t allow teams like the Jays, Rays, and Rockies to sit on their money when the time is right. By investing in Lawrie now, the Jays would be saving themselves millions, would become a more attractive destination for free agents who also want assured competitiveness when they sign somewhere, and would also make it a more attractive place to re-sign for internal candidates.

If we wait until Lawrie has 2012 under his belt, he may not want to sign at all, and if he does, it will cost the Jays a lot more than it would today.

Love the article and you do raise some interesting points BUT do you really do a long term contract without Lawrie playing at least half the season to a full season? I mean I love the kid and i think he is going to be great but how many players have come up with such big hype play great for a few months and then poof something happens and they are never the same again. I mean for example, Eric Hinske ring a bell? I know not nearly the same potential but Hinske had a hell of a rookie season, got signed long term and then stunk up the joint. I know its not fair to compare Lawrie to Hinske as Lawrie def. has more tools all around but he was the last jay that came to mind being raw with potential locked up and then fizzling. Colby Rasmus, another huge potential guy…what is St. Louis locked him up due to potential to a 8-9 year deal….needless to say he wouldnt be a jay and i think they would regret that contract, at this moment anyways who knows later on.

All im saying is let’s let Lawrie have a full year to see what he can do and how he adjusts now that pitchers have a small book on him. If he is doing great by August then lets think extension until then i dont see the jays willing to talk long term contract without proof he can be that franchise player and not a flash in the pan.

Love the article and you do raise some interesting points BUT do you really do a long term contract without Lawrie playing at least half the season to a full season? I mean I love the kid and i think he is going to be great but how many players have come up with such big hype play great for a few months and then poof something happens and they are never the same again. I mean for example, Eric Hinske ring a bell? I know not nearly the same potential but Hinske had a hell of a rookie season, got signed long term and then stunk up the joint. I know its not fair to compare Lawrie to Hinske as Lawrie def. has more tools all around but he was the last jay that came to mind being raw with potential locked up and then fizzling. Colby Rasmus, another huge potential guy…what is St. Louis locked him up due to potential to a 8-9 year deal….needless to say he wouldnt be a jay and i think they would regret that contract, at this moment anyways who knows later on.

All im saying is let’s let Lawrie have a full year to see what he can do and how he adjusts now that pitchers have a small book on him. If he is doing great by August then lets think extension until then i dont see the jays willing to talk long term contract without proof he can be that franchise player and not a flash in the pan.