Former Captain Carmona Inks Long Term Deal with the Indians

(Eastlake) - The Captains first player to make the big leagues has made history again. The Indians announced on Thursday that Fausto Carmona has signed a contract that could be as long as seven years. The first four years of the deal is worth $15 million in guaranteed money with the Indians holding three individual club options for 2012, 2013 and 2014. If the deal goes all seven years, Carmona will earn $43 million with the potential of $48 million.

Carmon's deal is the highest-ever to be guaranteed to a pre-arbitration-eligible starting pitcher and the highest-ever to be guaranteed to a starting pitcher with only one full year of service time.

Carmona had 19 wins in 2007 and had the second-lowest ERA in the American League. Back with Lake County in 2003, he was 17-4 with an ERA of 2.03. Both marks led the South Atlantic League. Carmona was the South Atlantic League Pitcher of the year in 2003.