The secret weapon of small-market and big-market teams alike -- front-loaded contracts -- has made it easier for clubs to sign young stars to long-term deals. The Indians were the first team to do this, in the mid-'90s, and the practice has seemingly served both parties well: The first-, second- and third-year players have signed on for their first big-money deals that guarantee them a life-changing amount of cash, and the teams paid out more money up front to earn some savings at the back end ...

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