Rays take big risk

Tampa Bay right-hander James Shields had a breakout 2007 campaign.

It was so impressive that the organization is nearing a seven-year contract extension with the pitcher.

This is a slippery slope for the Rays, who have not signed ace Scott Kazmir to anything other than a one-year contract during his time in Tampa.

Sure Shields had a big season last year, but it's one year. Kazmir has been the Rays' ace for the past two seasons and deserves every bit the big payday Shields is in line for.