wasnt surprised by his own struggles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Chris Archer has done all right for a guy who was cut from his seventh grade team and once told by a coach he would never be good enough to pitch in college, let alone the major leagues. The 25-year-old right-hander not only has a promising future with the Tampa Bay Rays, he will be paid well while trying to reach his potential. "Not making teams, being told I was never going to play college baseball, getting traded twice, and now Im sitting here in this seat where not many people ever get," Archer said Wednesday after finalizing a $25.5 million, six-year contract, the latest long-term deal the Rays have given to one of their young pitchers. "Having the ability to make my parents debt-free is huge for me right now. And just the willingness from the Rays to offer such a contract for somebody with under a year of service time is remarkable," Archer added. "It was definitely something I couldnt say no to. It was a smooth, easy process." The contract includes club options for 2020 and 2021 that could raise the value to $43.75 million. Archer went 9-7 with a 3.22 ERA in 23 starts as a rookie in 2013. Hes scheduled to make his first start of the season Thursday against Toronto. "Its a contract, and its guaranteed money, but I think its just the beginning of six or eight great years," Archer said. Tampa Bay has one of the deepest pitching rotations in baseball, as well as a history of signing its best young players to long-term contract early in their careers. Left-hander Matt Moore, a 17-game winner a year ago, signed a $14 million, five-year deal after making just one regular-season start in the majors. Archer gets a $1 million signing bonus and salaries of $500,000 this year, $1 million in 2015, $2.75 million in 2016, $4.75 million in 2017, $6.25 million in 2018 and $7.5 million in 2019. The Rays have a $9 million option for 2020 with a $1.75 million buyout, and if that option is exercised they have an $11 million option for 2021 with a $250,000 buyout. Rays executive vice-president Andrew Friedman said Archer has the talent to "develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter," as well as the work ethic and character off the field to ensure the Rays are making a good investment. "Its not only important to identify the talent of the player, but also who they are," Friedman said. "As much as were betting on his talent, were betting on who he is, as well." Archer was obtained from the Cubs as part of an eight-player trade that sent Matt Garza to Chicago in 2011. The new deal replaces a one-year contract agreed to in February that called for Archer to make $511,200 in the major leagues and $214,222 in the minors. The native of Clayton, N.C., was promoted from Triple-A Durham last June 1 and went on to lead AL rookies making a minimum of 20 starts in ERA, opponents batting average (.226), complete games (two), shutouts (two). He finished third in balloting for AL Rookie of the Year behind Rays outfielder Wil Myers and Detroit shortstop Jose Iglesias. Talks on the new deal began during spring training. Archer said he consulted with a number of people during the process, including some players whove signed long-term deals early in their career and some who turned it down. "What came from it is never turn your back on your first fortune," said Archer, adding that he feels blessed to be in a position to make sure his parents become debt-free. "At the end of the contract, theres still room to sign another deal or extension or whatever it might be. From where I come from, this is more than I can ever ask for, to be honest." Archer thanked the Rays for trading for him after other organizations gave up on developing him. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in 2006 and traded to the Cubs in December 2008. "It seems like this was the first team that Ive ever really played for that really believed in me and was willing to wait an extra year or two for me to really turn into what I could possibly be," Archer said. Kyrie Irving Shoes Free Shipping . Defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the Houston Texans No. 1 pick in the draft, was on the field Tuesday for the first time with former NFL Defensive Player of the Year J. Kyrie Irving Shoes From China . Team spokesman Donald Beauchamp said there was no new information on the 80-year-old Hall of Famers condition. The family has requested privacy. https://www.cheapshoeskyrieirving.com/ . - The Baltimore Ravens and tight end Dennis Pitta reached agreement on a five-year contract Friday. Clearance Kyrie Irving Shoes . In sunny and almost windless conditions, the Swede shot four consecutive birdies on the front nine on his way to a 68 and went 9 under for a one-shot lead over Englands Lee Slattery and two over Paraguays Farbrizio Zanotti (68). Cheap Kyrie Irving Shoes . Louis, MO (SportsNetwork.INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana Pacers coach Frank Vogel had tried just about everything to find a viable fill-in for injured starting point guard George Hill.But no one runs the Indiana offence quite like the Hill. And on Tuesday night, Hill provided an immeasurable impact for the Pacers in his season debut.After missing the first 28 games with a left knee contusion, Hill had a team-high 15 points, four rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes to lead the Pacers to a 96-84 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.The Pacers finally have their floor general back. And hes still that humble Indianapolis native.I did not try to put any pressure on (myself) like that, Hill said. Just make a play when you need to make a play. I didnt worry about how many points I scored or how many rebounds or assists. I just tried to focus on playing each play hard and trying to win the game.On a night when the Pacers offence flowed as well as it has at any point this season, Hills ability to control the games flow — and his teammates production — made all the difference.Indiana (10-19) finished with six players scoring in double figures thanks in large part to Hills ability to get everyone involved in the offence. All night, the Pacers were willing to make the extra pass to get a better shot. And their passes seemed crisper Tuesday. Things just seemed easier on offence with Hill guiding the way against New Orleans (14-14).George coming back makes a big difference, Miles said. He runs the offence and he gets guys where they need to be and putting them to their strengths.David West and Solomon Hill each finished with 13 points. Roy Hibbert scored 14 points and tied a season-high with seven blocks. CJ Miles added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench for the Pacers. C.J. Watson, who started at point guard for Indiana on Tuesday, scored 10 points.While the end result was Hill providing a much-needed boost, he did have to knock off some rust.dddddddddddd His first two passes were bobbled by teammates and he finished the game with two turnovers.Early in the fourth quarter, Hill awkwardly finished a 2-on-1 breakaway with Miles after bobbling what would have been an attempt at a lob to Miles toward the rim. Hill kept the ball within his reach despite losing control and cautiously guided the ball onto the backboard for a layup.He looked great out there, Vogel said. He made a lot of heady offensive plays. He just played a great basketball game at both ends.Indiana kept Anthony Davis in check for much of the game. Averaging 24.7 points per game Davis finished with 21 points and nine rebounds, but struggled on the defence.Davis said he wasnt surprised by his own struggles, considering the Pacers have the NBAs third-best scoring defence.We knew coming in they were a physical team and that they were going to push us around, Davis said. We have to learn how to be more physical, and be consistent after a good win.Tyreke Evans finished with 14 points and 11 rebounds - all of which were on the defensive end. Jrue Holiday added 16 points, five rebounds and five assists for the Pelicans.After losing eight straight games, the Pacers are 3-2 in their last five games and won have won back-to-back games for the first time in more than a month.____TIP-INSPACERS: Point guard George Hill made his season debut against New Orleans after missing the first 28 games of the season with a left knee contusion.PELICANS: Former University of Kentucky star and current MVP candidate Anthony Davis received a rousing ovation during the introduction of starting lineups. Rupp Arena, home of Kentucky basketball, is 188 miles from Indianapolis.UP NEXTIndiana plays at Detroit on Friday.New Orleans hosts San Antonio on Friday. ' ' '