One Of The American League's Brightest Stars Shares His Thoughts On Why He Believes In The Players Club. By Evan Longoria

Making it to the majors and earning big-league money is no easy feat. Protecting it is even harder. There are only so many roster spots in the big leagues and a lot of people competing for those same dollars. Those of us fortunate enough -- and talented enough -- to make a career out of sports are rewarded big time with the ability to buy fancy cars and live in big houses if we want to.

Taking my cuts and making that long throw across the diamond is second nature to me. Handling the financial part of the biz is not. However, I’ve heard the horror stories about athletes who sign big contracts but run out of money shortly after their playing days are done. That money can go quick. It’s motivated me to try and be smart about planning for my future now, even though I’m a rookie.

I have online accounts that I check regularly and I’m always watching my money. But, generally, I am not active with my finances on a day-to-day basis. There’s too much I just don’t know about.

Pro locker rooms are filled with multi-millionaires and player parking lots around the leagues are stocked with tricked-out cars, but finance is something the guys in my clubhouse rarely talk about. It’s surprising because many of us are, or will be, in the same boat. We’re done with our primary career decades before the average American and have to make that money last.

When I made it to the big leagues, I talked to my teammate Eric Hinske because he signed a five-year, $14.75 million deal when he was with Toronto in 2003. He was 25 years old at the time. I’m 22 now. I thought I could learn a lot from him and we talked about what he did with his money and how he invested it. Our conversation wasn’t too specific, but it gave me a general idea of what he did with his cash.

However, beyond that, there’s a definite void. That’s why I appreciate The Players Club giving me this opportunity to speak directly to my peers on a massive scale. The idea of buying annuities – recurring cash flow or a regular paycheck for the rest of your life – resonates with me. One of the main things I wanted from the contract I signed earlier this year, my first in the majors, was security.

This past April, after my sixth day in the bigs, I signed a six-year deal with options for 2014, 2015 and 2016 that could bring the contract up to nine year’s total. Of that, $17.5 million is guaranteed. If the options are exercised, the total deal could total $44 million. My agents have been helping me look at the big picture.

When I signed my first pro contract in 2006, I felt like I was set for life. I received a $3 million signing bonus for joining the Tampa Bay Rays organization after they selected me third overall in the amateur draft.

I tried to be smart so that the money would last as long as possible. I know lots of other young players will be, or are already in, the position I was two years ago and the one I am in this year. I know that in order to stay set for life, I need to make the right moves off the field right now.

I also know I need someone to trust to get me there. I wanted a deal that would keep my mind fully on the field. For the most part, my only worry these days is about doing my job and playing baseball.