Markakis Signs 6 Year, 66 Million Dollar Extension

Reports have it that 25 year old Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis has signed a 66 million dollar extension to remain on a last place team for another six seasons.

Coming off a year where Markakis hit .306 with 20 homers, 87 rbi's and 99 walks it is money wisely spent by the Orioles.

The long-term deal is part of a growing trend of teams locking up their young players for substantial but not overwhelming money. With teams often grossly over-paying marquee free agents it's nice to see teams making sound economic investments in their young stars. Not sure the trend is a good idea?

Just look at the American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays. Damn, that still sounds weird.