When the Tampa Bay Rays selected Evan Longoria with the third pick of the 2006 MLB Amateur Draft, it was hoped that he would develop into a star. Then, after he was given a long term extension after just six games in his Major League career, it was hoped that Longoria would become a star for the Rays, and the long term face of the franchise.
He certainly lived up to his side of the bargain, becoming a three time All Star, the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year, and a two time Gold Glove winner. Longoria became a consistent threat in the lineup, a power hitter who could do almost anything the Rays would need.