2059.01 - The Long Beach Independent - Morris Extended

[Lane]

MORRIS, SURFERS, AGREE TO EXTENSION

May 2, 2059
Long Beach, CA

The Long Beach Surfers announced today that they have come to an agreement with star shortstop Steveland Morris to remain in Long Beach for at least three more seasons. The switch-hitting Morris is off to a solid start in the 2059 campaign, hitting .276/.323/.345 and providing excellent defense at shortstop. By some measures, after one month of the season, Morris is on track for the best defensive season of his career.

Drafted in 2046 as the Surfers’ first-round selection, Morris has established himself as a mainstay in the lineup, and in the hearts of the fans. In this, his 11th season, his #19 jersey continues to be one of the top sellers in the stadium shops. Morris is also an important member of the Long Beach community, where his charity “Stevie’s Wonder Kids” helps disabled and disadvantaged youth access music and other arts programs that are typically out of reach.

No official salary number was released by the team, but an anonymous source within the front office tells The Independent that the deal is for 3 years at $8 million each, with team options for two additional seasons.

[trmmilwwi]

Solid player, 3.0 WAR per season should get him to the value of that contract. Love his defense and running!

[Lane]

Solid player, 3.0 WAR per season should get him to the value of that contract. Love his defense and running!

Definitely one of my favorites, and one of my best draft picks.

Defense has gotten more valuable as the overall league defense has come down to a more reasonable level.

[ae37jr]

He would have gotten at least double that if he hit free agency.

[BaseClogger]

Yep, this a great contract for the Surfers. He would have gotten double this and five years guaranteed as a free agent.

[Lane]

Absolutely. Don't know if it's because he's starting the season off a little slow or giving a hometown discount or just high loyalty but I'm thrilled with the contract.

[Knucklehead254]

Well there’s goes one of the guys I was going to go after in FA

[Lane]

Haha. Brett Golden would also be disappointed to see me extend him. He was always trying to trade for him.