Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When Major League Baseball fans think of the Tampa Bay Rays they probably think of many different things. They might think of how they are effective at roster changeover and getting the most out of their players. Some might consider it noteworthy that they are always able to compete with a lower payroll than the big guns in the American League East. What every single person should think of when they consider the Rays is their all-star third baseman Evan Longoria.
Once again in 2013 he put up the numbers that prove why he is the Rays chosen franchise player. If you were looking for something negative about him in 2013 it would have to be his .269 batting average. Other than that you would have a very tough time finding something. His other stats were plenty good enough to make him one of the top third baggers in the game. Count to his credit 32 homers, 88 RBI and 91 runs scored.
His offensive production couples well with his defensive ability to give him an impressive 6.3 WAR. That numbers basically means he would be impossible to replace on today’s free agent or trade market. In case you are wondering when this elite third baseman will hit the free agent market, you don’t have to. It’s at least another ten years. For now he is right at the beginning of his prime and extremely fun to watch play the game of baseball.
David Miller is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @davidmillerrant, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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