According to the St. Petersburg Times, Rays outfielder Carl Crawford is open to discussing a contract extension with the team. "Most definitely, I would like to stay here with the Rays. This is the only organization I know. I don't know nothing different. It would be nice," Crawford said. "I'd hate to leave right when the getting is good. You've been around for all the bad stuff, you want to be around for the good part, too. And it looks like the good part is coming ahead." However, it is unclear whether or not they have discussed it. Crawford is an All-Star, and is a lifetime .296 hitter with 62 HR and an OBP of .331. He gets on base a ton and rarely strikes out more than 90 times. However, I think they should watch his stats closely this season before they put a contract together, but I am sure he will ask for a deal similar to Aaron Rowand or Torii Hunter.Personally, I think the Rays should trade Crawford. The team is just starting to get good, and should be competing in a couple seasons. They have several solid pitchers, most of them coming up within the next year or so, and hitters that could really take them into the playoffs. Imagine if they traded Crawford for four or five more top prospects. They would further restock and give them more depth for the future. The Phillies seem like a good fit. They have the prospects and seem willing to make a trade to put them over the top. Another team, the Rangers, nearly traded for Johan Santana this past off season. If they put together a lesser deal for Crawford, they might jump into contention in the AL West. The Rays could easily build a team around Crawford, but I think they would be better off trading him for youth to help them in the future.
6 comments:
By no means would I trade Crawford, he is a everday allstar LF. He has speed and will hit for more power as he develops more. Baldelli is done, Dukes and Young are gone, what else do you have besides Upton. They need to get a veteran presence besides cliff floyd. A quality vet. starter, a better bullpen and a little more pop in that lineup would do.
First of all, Crawford won't bring 4 or 5 top prospects. Second, you have to have some maturity on a team. Crawford is a leader, he is exactly what Tampa Bay (and other teams) need. TB should keep him.
Why would the Phillies trade their top prospects (if they even have any outside of Carrasco) for an outfielder when their pitching staff is in such shambles? Thats lunacy
have you looked at their outfield. pitching might be okay with hamels, myers, kendrick, carrasco, unlikely though.
they obviously need to add someone in pitching though.
the phillies system is about as strong as a wet paper bag. they have no one besides carrasco, who really isnt all that great, and you're assuming they wouldnt have to give him up to get crawford?!? And the rangers arent out of the playoffs because of corner OF concerns. they are out because of their complete and total lack of anyone resembling a #1 or 2 starter. trading the farm system they just restocked last season for a guy at a position they dont need is just plain dumb
The Rays will most likely follow the small-market strategy of the Marlins. Trade off star players as they reach their prime: let somebody else sign them to a big contract. Use the trades to accumulate well-scouted up-and-coming talent. Fill in with veterans who don't command the huge bucks anymore but can still produce. I don't see the Rays matching Boston or NY for payroll, so they've got to try to win with young teams.
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