It seems that one team, or at least one team’s fans, are outwardly excited about the opportunity to latch on to Carl Crawford.
There’s been a lot of buzz recently about whether the Mets have a chance to sign him if, and according to one blog, when, the Rays decline CC’s option. I’ll get to the “when” part in a minute. But, Mets beat writer Marty Noble addressed this question on the Mets team website. He only says “if” the Rays don’t pick up his option, CC would be a good alternative.
Crawford isn’t the power hitter the Mets need, but if the club plans to build on pitching, defense and speed, Crawford would be ideal.
Then there’s Mets blog citifieldofdreams.com. According to them, “(w)ord is they are not picking up his option.” Has anyone around here even heard that “word” uttered around here? That the Rays weren’t going to pick up his option? It’s a $10 million option, which is nothing for the upside that he brings. Heck, the buyout is $1.25 million. Anyone think the Rays would spend that to let him walk?
Carl just won his third Fielding Bible award. One that saw him garner 9 out of 10 first place votes, with him getting second on the 10th ballot. Chances are, he’s an eyelash away from his first Gold Glove as well. Not to mention the fact that he’s coming off a 60 stolen base season. The Rays will pick up his option if, for no other reason, to see what the return would be if they were to trade him.
So, the Mets can window-shop at what Carl Crawford would mean to their organization, but they better come to the table with a pretty good package of players to actually see him in left field at Citifield.
October 31st, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Name your price man for Carl Crawford.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Crawford if available would be a great fit for Mets. All depends on Rays and his option but Rays do have Joyce and Jennings in their OF wings and are near ready.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:36 PM
That guy is crazy if he thinks the Rays would decline the option. Crawford is worth more than $10M and even if the Rays wanted to move him its not like picking up his option and trading him would be difficult.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:40 PM
its a shame carl doesnt have a legit venue to showcase his talents. no offense to the REAL tb fans, but jeez….can you support your team people???
23rd in baseball in home attendance for the defending AL champs…..sorry tampa bayers….you guys are whats bad about baseball. screw revenue sharing….4-6 of these bogus ml team should be dissolved. that is pathetic. anyway, cc is a great player and i would love to see him on the mets. as far as it being a no-brainer that his option gets picked up….why is it a no-brainer? its not like he’s going to be here after 2010. i guess maybe you can pick up his option and then trade him….but either way, carl is on his way out of TB.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:44 PM
Kranepool, I think any offers probably starts with the two or three best prospects in your organization.
Metthunder, you’re right. The Rays have some outfield options. That’s why CC and his option is so valuable. They can hold out for the absolute best trade anyone’s willing to give them. No pressure either way. All for just $10 million.
Nick – with ya 100%.
October 31st, 2009 at 12:54 PM
Hmmm I wonder if the Rays would consider a Crawford AND Pena for prospects swap.
October 31st, 2009 at 1:02 PM
The Rays will pick up Carl Crawford’s option, why wouldn’t they. Then they will entertain trade offers.
If they don’t get a good offer then they’ll wait to the trade deadline.
I’d offer Mejia and Fernando Martinez/Wilmer Florez
October 31st, 2009 at 2:46 PM
Fernando Martinez, Brad Holt and Wilmer Flores for Crawford. Deal or No Deal?
October 31st, 2009 at 3:31 PM
I would do it for sure.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:04 PM
I said “might not”. Get your facts straight. And I wasn’t the only site who said it either.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:09 PM
I would never say that they are not picking it up because I have no idea if they are or not. I don’t have contacts like that. I read what MetsBlog and other sites are saying.
October 31st, 2009 at 4:18 PM
[...] of the Rays and Crawford Michael from Rise of the Rays, is claiming I said the Tampa Bay Rays are not picking up Carl Crawford’s [...]
October 31st, 2009 at 4:23 PM
From what i know John Heyman has reported the the Rays might not pick up Crawford’s option. I heard this on 1050 ESPN Radio’s Michael Kay and i also got a tweet saying this. Just letting you know the fact’s !
October 31st, 2009 at 5:37 PM
Key word MIGHT. The Rays MIGHT not pick up his option. Their is a possibility for everything. I would say 95% chance they pick up his option.
Anything that sports writers say you guys treat like it is the Bible. The Rays front office is great at concealing their plans, so nobody knows. My guess is as good as John Heyman’s, but just because you have heard of him,you believe it.
October 31st, 2009 at 5:52 PM
Heyman’s comments on October 26 was that CC might be available by trade. That certainly implies that the Rays will pick up the option.
October 31st, 2009 at 7:50 PM
Heyman likes to throw a lot of you know what on the wall to see if it sticks.