ATLANTA - The Atlanta Braves and shortstop Andrelton Simmons agreed on a $58 million, seven-year contract on Thursday, a record deal for the latest young star locked up by the NL East champions. The deal, which runs through the 2020 season, is the largest ever awarded to a player subject to American draft rules with less than two years of service time. Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo signed a $41 million, seven-year contract last May. Simmons, 24, showed power potential in 2013, when he hit 17 home runs, but he earned the big contract with his defence. He won his first Gold Glove award in 2013, when he led the major leagues with 499 assists. "We feel that Andrelton is one of the premier shortstops in the game today, and we are happy that we were able to agree on this multiyear contract," general manager Frank Wren said in a statement released by the team. The Braves this month also reached multiyear agreements with first baseman Freddie Freeman, outfielder Jason Heyward, closer Craig Kimbrel and right-hander Julio Teheran, committing $280.7 million to the rising stars, including Simmons. Simmons hit .248 and drove in 59 runs last season. He earned the new contract after playing in only 206 career games. Simmons received a $1 million signing bonus and will earn $1 million this season. He will earn $3 million in 2015, $6 million in 2016, $8 million in 2017, $11 million in 2018, $13 million in 2019 and $15 million in 2020. It has been a busy month for the Braves and Wren. On Sunday, the team agreed to a $42 million, four-year contract with Kimbrel, 25, the All-Star closer. That came two days after the 23-year-old Teheran agreed to terms on a six-year, $32.4 million deal. Earlier this month, the Braves announced multiyear deals with a pair of 24-year-old hitters — Freeman and Heyward. Freeman, the All-Star first baseman, agreed to the biggest contract in Braves history — $135 million for eight years. Of all the new deals, only Heywards is for fewer than four years. Heyward, the outfielder who won his first Gold Glove in 2012, signed for two years and $13.3 million. Even management has been included in the wave of new deals. Manager Fredi Gonzalez and Wren also have been given contract extensions. Simmons ranks with Freeman, Kimbrel, Teheran, Heyward, Justin Upton, left-hander Mike Minor and others as the foundation for the Braves future. Chipper Jones retired after the 2012 season, and Tim Hudson and catcher Brian McCann departed as free agents after last season, leaving the team that won 96 games last year with a young roster. Simmons hit only .216 against left-handers last season, and he hit only .219 in 283 at-bats as a leadoff hitter. The team took off when Heyward was moved to the leadoff spot, and Simmons was more productive in other spots in the lineup. Cheap Devils Jerseys China . A steady downpour and low temperatures were predicted for much of the night. No makeup date was immediately announced, although it was determined that the game will not be part of a doubleheader on Wednesday. Cheap Devils Jerseys . The post-season, Pierce said repeatedly, is no time to panic. And the Heat, apparently, are nothing to fear. http://www.cheapdevilsjerseys.com/ . 3 Ohio State. Amedeo Della Valle had 15 points, Marc Loving scored a career-high 13 and the bench provided 38 points as the Buckeyes sprinted past Nebraska 84-53 on Saturday. Cheap New Jersey Devils Jerseys . The ongoing funk on penalty kill and an unusually quiet night on home ice for the power play divided the Leafs from the Bruins at the ACC in a rare Sunday night affair. Cheap Adidas Devils Jerseys .J. - The New York Jets have signed former Green Bay Packers backup quarterback Graham Harrell, giving them some added depth at the position.(Sports Network) - Russell Wilson is a man of faith, family and friends. Its hard to believe the Seattle Seahawks quarterback used to be a bully. I used to beat people up. Truthfully, I used to beat people up a lot, Wilson told The Players Tribune months ago. Many of you readers probably think I have been Mr. Goody Two-Shoes my whole life, but honestly, I was a bully growing up. In elementary and middle school, I threw kids against the wall. I rubbed their heads in the dirt at recess. I bit them. I even knocked teeth out. Wilson had a lot of anger as an adolescent and was unsure how to distribute his temper for good. It wasnt until Wilson was 14 years old when he started to utilize his faith for others instead of himself. Wilson will admit hes not perfect, and the only person he can change is the one in the mirror. The reflection was different then, but now it resembles a role mode and Super Bowl champion. In a league where domestic violence, drug use and all sorts of controversy runs rampant, Wilson is the voice of reason. He transformed himself from a complicated kid to a responsible young man, and children across the world can learn from his story. Seattles prodigal son dedicates his life to children every Tuesday, when he takes time from his busy life as a quarterback to put smiles on the faces of those going through a battle more strenuous than a meaningless football game. Wilson was asked what his message to sick children would be during the circus that is known Super Bowl Media Day. To all kids in all of Childrens Hospital ... obviously, I go to Childrens Hospital every Tuesday in Seattle and unfortunately I had to miss today. But to all of the kids out there, Im just praying for you guys and praying for miracles. Keep the faith and be strong against cancer, thats something Ive been really big into in Seattle. Im just rooting for everybody. Wilson can be sure the Emerald City and surrounding areas are pulling for him and the Seahawks Sunday against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX. The 26-year-old Wilson still has the bully deep inside and it shows solely on the playing field. Watching Wilson in person, especially on the road, is quite a spectacle because of the angst and aggravation he puts on the home fans. He has defeated the odds as a quarterback at 5-foot-11 and proves that size doesnt really matter. Wilson is a dual threat with his legs and strong arm, and knows kids are looking up to him in admiration. He has some advice for young players striving to be great. I think the advice that I got from my dad is keep things in perspective, have a great purpose in life, have great perspective and always persevere, Wilson said. I think for me, thats kind of been my story so far in my life. I just keep believing in the people I have around me. I surround myself around great people that really encourage me every day. Wilson said education was important and helped him change his life in a positive matter. Sports is something that comes last for Wilson. That may seem irrelevant because hes a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl quarterback, but being a better person than a signal caller opens the pearly gates wider at the end. What is Wilsons perspective on his legacy both on and off the field? In terms of my legacy on the field, I want to be considered a winner. Thats ultimately the goal in terms of playing quarterback, is win, win, win. Thats all that really matters at the end of the day, Wilsson said.dddddddddddd In terms of my legacy off the field, I want to be a Christian man that helps lead and helps change lives and helps serve other people. Its not about me, you know? Its not about me and its about just helping other people. So thats kind of where I keep my focus. One of the brightest young stars in the NFL, Wilson uses his athletic gift to glorify his faith in God. He knows people look up to athletes and that its imperative to be a good role model. Wilson admits hes not perfect and is just trying to do the right thing. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll embeds a team-first mentality on his players and back-to-back Super Bowl appearances is proof the players are listening. Wilson is the biggest ambassador for Carrolls ideology with his competitive nature and despite to make those around him better people. When Wilson looks across the field Sunday in Arizona, he will see a future Hall of Fame quarterback in Tom Brady. Wilson grew up watching Brady, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre and his personal favorite, Drew Brees. Wilson beat Manning in last years Super Bowl and has a chance to knock off two QBs who will have busts in Canton, Ohio. Im not sure if its about just playing against those guys, but winning back- to-back Super Bowls is history in itself, Wilson said. But also to play Peyton Manning and to play a guy like Tom Brady ... like I said, two of the best to ever play the game ... I think its special just because youll never forget it. You want to play the best. To be the best, you have to beat the best, and its going to be exciting for us. Wilson is only in his third season in the NFL and will be the youngest quarterback in league history to start two Super Bowls. Wilson is 42-13 as a starter, including a 6-1 mark in the playoffs. He won his only start against New England on Oct. 14, 2012 in a 24-23 victory and tossed the go-ahead touchdown pass to Sidney Rice with 1:18 to go. He had three TD passes and no interceptions, while Brady passed for 395 yards with two scores and two picks. Sundays QB matchup will feature two different styles, as Brady is a more standard pocket passer and Wilson uses his mobility. Russell and Tom Brady are both great winners, Carroll said. Tom has had a long time to prove that. Russell is at the early stages of proving that to the world. But hes got a chance to be similar. If Wilson wins on Sunday hell have one less ring than Brady. And that deserves a lofty pay raise, right? That could present challenges, according to Seattle general manager John Schneider via 710 ESPN. Wilson will be eligible for a new deal in the offseason which could fetch up to $20 million a season and prevent the team from bolstering the roster further. Quarterback is the most important position in all of sports and salaries should resemble such. Wilson isnt concerned about finances and will cash in down the road. The focus is on winning a second Super Bowl. Its about the New England Patriots and bringing another championship to the Pacific Northwest for Wilson. Teammates, family and fans of all ages will be in his corner Sunday in Super Bowl XLIX and he doesnt want to let them down. I think the biggest goal is for us to win because of all the hard work weve put in this year. The journey that weve been on has been unbelievable. Weve had a great journey and weve come a long way, so to get back back-to-back years is pretty special. So hopefully we get this win. Cheap Buffalo Sabres GearWholesale Calgary Flames JerseysCheap Adidas Colorado Avalanche JerseysMontreal Canadiens Outlet StoreWholesale New Jersey Devils JerseysAdidas Arizona Coyotes JerseysCheap Adidas Boston Bruins JerseysCheap Adidas Carolina Hurricanes JerseysChicago Blackhawks Shop Free ShippingWholesale Columbus Blue Jackets JerseysDallas Stars Shop Free ShippingCheap Adidas Detroit Red Wings JerseysAnaheim Ducks Jerseys ChinaWholesale Edmonton Oilers JerseysFlorida Panthers Shop Free ShippingWholesale Los Angeles Kings JerseysMinnesota Wild Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Nashville Predators JerseysCheap Adidas New York Islanders JerseysNew York Rangers Winter Classic JerseysCheap Adidas Ottawa Senators JerseysCheap Adidas Philadelphia Flyers JerseysWholesale Pittsburgh Penguins JerseysCheap Adidas San Jose Sharks JerseysSt. Louis Blues Winter Classic JerseysWholesale Tampa Bay Lightning JerseysToronto Maple Leafs Outlet StoreVancouver Canucks Outlet StoreCheap Adidas Vegas Golden Knights JerseysCheap Adidas Washington Capitals JerseysCheap Adidas Winnipeg Jets Jerseys ' ' '