Angels & Sox looking at Crawford

[That funky motion]

Saw this on MLB trade rumors.

 

Carl Crawford On The Block?

A source close to the Devil Rays' scouting department filled me in recently on their outfielder extravaganza.

 

It's well known Joey Gathright is on the block. If you're looking for a scrappy player with no power who runs real fast, Gathright is your man. It's unknown whether Gathright can make his on-base skills shown at Triple A Durham translate to the big leagues, but some team besides the Rays will find out soon enough. I'm not yet able to narrow down the list of his suitors to a single digit number.

 

Infinitely more interesting than Gathright is the possibility (albeit slim) that Carl Crawford could be dealt. Crawford was "a little shocked" by Rocco Baldelli's deal, and rightfully so. After all, where was Baldelli while Crawford was busy being the 10th best LF in the game in '05? 2006 could be the year Crawford busts out and hits 20 HR.

 

According to my source, the Angels are hot on the trail of Baldelli, Gathright, and Crawford. The Rays are quite enamored with 22 year-old righthander Ervin Santana. Santana had a solid rookie season in '05, winning 12 games for the Angels.

 

Another team in the running for Crawford is the White Sox. They're not entirely sold on Brian Anderson in center field for a defending World Champion, and the Devil Rays are asking for Brandon McCarthy and/or Josh Fields.

 

McCarthy pitched with a vengeance in September and October of 2005, tossing 43 innings of 1.69 ERA ball. He led the Minor Leagues in strikeouts in 2004.

 

Third baseman Josh Fields is in the Sox's top ten prospect list for sure. However, he was just OK at Double A Birmingham in '05, hitting .252/.341/.409 in 477 at-bats. Fields is a hard worker, but still needs plenty of seasoning in the minors.

[Chisoxfn]

Saw this on MLB trade rumors.

 

Carl Crawford On The Block?

A source close to the Devil Rays' scouting department filled me in recently on their outfielder extravaganza. 

 

It's well known Joey Gathright is on the block.  If you're looking for a scrappy player with no power who runs real fast, Gathright is your man.  It's unknown whether Gathright can make his on-base skills shown at Triple A Durham translate to the big leagues, but some team besides the Rays will find out soon enough.  I'm not yet able to narrow down the list of his suitors to a single digit number.

 

Infinitely more interesting than Gathright is the possibility (albeit slim) that Carl Crawford could be dealt.  Crawford was "a little shocked" by Rocco Baldelli's deal, and rightfully so.  After all, where was Baldelli while Crawford was busy being the 10th best LF in the game in '05?  2006 could be the year Crawford busts out and hits 20 HR.

 

According to my source, the Angels are hot on the trail of Baldelli, Gathright, and Crawford.  The Rays are quite enamored with 22 year-old righthander Ervin Santana.  Santana had a solid rookie season in '05, winning 12 games for the Angels.

 

Another team in the running for Crawford is the White Sox.  They're not entirely sold on Brian Anderson in center field for a defending World Champion, and the Devil Rays are asking for Brandon McCarthy and/or Josh Fields. 

 

McCarthy pitched with a vengeance in September and October of 2005, tossing 43 innings of 1.69 ERA ball.  He led the Minor Leagues in strikeouts in 2004. 

 

Third baseman Josh Fields is in the Sox's top ten prospect list for sure.  However, he was just OK at Double A Birmingham in '05, hitting .252/.341/.409 in 477 at-bats.  Fields is a hard worker, but still needs plenty of seasoning in the minors.

Someone pinch me, I'd deal Fields and a guy like Tracey for Crawford in a heartbeat. Fields is talented, but he's far from a sure thing and Crawford is a pretty talented individual who would fit into Ozzie's style (plus I think he has room to grow).

 

Whats Crawford contract like and when does he become eligible for FA?

[SSH2005]

Brandon McCarthy isn't going anywhere in any trade so it's pretty pointless that websites keep mentioning him in rumors. Josh Fields? Sure.

[Felix]

Do you have a link to this?

 

If this is true, it'd be pretty cool

[SSH2005]

Do you have a link to this?

 

If this is true, it'd be pretty cool

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2005/12/carl_crawford_o.html

[SkokieSox]

Not much would get me to give up McCarthy. Crawford would be a really good addition though. I'd be willing to deal Fields and some other propsects, but can't part with McCarthy.

[maggsmaggs]

Someone pinch me, I'd deal Fields and a guy like Tracey for Crawford in a heartbeat.  Fields is talented, but he's far from a sure thing and Crawford is a pretty talented individual who would fit into Ozzie's style (plus I think he has room to grow).

 

Whats Crawford contract like and when does he become eligible for FA?

Crawford is signed through 2010 with some big money at the end, and options starting at 2009. Crawford is amazing, I would give up Fields and Anderson in a heartbeat for him, just no McCarthy. If KW can do this move without giving up Young or B-Mac, that would be awesome. KW once again under the radar.

[Chisoxfn]

Crawford will be 24 at the start of the season and will be entering his 4th full MLB season. His avg has went up every single year, although his K's and BB's have hovered around the same clip.

 

He is a great basestealer (2 seasons with 50 plus steals and stole 46 last year while being caught just 8 times). Not only that but he has some pop (.800 OPS last year) and has seen his HR total climb every year in the big (15 triples last year too, ridiculous, he had 19 the previous year). His doubles total has also continually climbed.

 

After looking more and more at this, Carl Crawford way >>> Juan Pierre. The one thing you could gripe about Crawford is the fact that he posted a .331 OBP the past two years, but I'd like to think that could improve with maturity. I have no idea what type of defensive player he is, but I nkow I've seen him make some good plays (But I don't know if he gets good jumps or anything, I assume he's not great cause if he got good jumps he could probably play CF).

 

Put me on the Crawford bandwagon. If were going to make a deal I'd be more than willing to move Brian Anderson and Josh Fields for Carl Crawford. In fact I'd throw in one of our pitching prospects if thats what it took. He's younger, cheaper and in my opinion a better player than Pierre. Plus there isn't the park adjustment. I think he'd be a really nice fit in the 2 hole.

 

I can definately see him turning into a ..320 AVG, .350-.360 OBP, 20 HR, .850 OPS, 50 Steals type of player. I am dreaming about the possibility of this.

 

Please Kenny, pretty please.

[Flash Tizzle]

Someone pinch me, I'd deal Fields and a guy like Tracey for Crawford in a heartbeat. 

 

That's fine, but they're not asking for Tracey. McCarthy is their request. I doubt that "or" exists in trade negotiations.

 

Too bad we don't live on the East Coast, where Fields could be boasted as the next great 3B of our generation. Only needless hype would convince teams to include him as a major part of any trade.

[Chisoxfn]

That's fine, but they're not asking for Tracey. McCarthy is their request. I doubt that "or" exists in trade negotiations.

 

Too bad we don't live on the East Coast, where Fields could be boasted as the next great 3B of our generation.  Only needless hype would convince teams to include him as a major part of any trade.

I don't know if they'd even have interest in Brian Anderson, but I'd think Brian Anderson, Josh Fields and Sean Tracey would be a pretty darn strong package. Those are 3 guys that I believe will be major leaguers and solid ones at that. If that package wouldn't get it done, I don't know what would (I don't know if the Sox would do that,and the only question I'd have is whether they would be intersted in an OF prospect like Anderson).

[AnthraxFan93]

Finally a Rumor that I would actually want to happen.. KW would be GOd imo.. If he pulls this off. Just thinking about the 1-2 punch of Crawford/Pods I'm getting gitty like a little school girl.

 

If we can pull this off we better then sign Crede to a long-term deal.. Otherwise we are f***ed down the road.

 

I would give up Fields and another OF prospect.. And for good measure send them the great Felix Diaz.

[maggsmaggs]

O'boy, this is going to be a 25 page thread, I can see it now.

I just cant see a deal centered around Fields is going to get the job done, not after what they were asking for Huff, but I guess anything can happen.

 

Fields,Tracy, and maybe Rogo for Crawford? Please?

You bet yeah, this is the best rumor so far. Actually, if the rays starting point in trade negotiations is McCarthy and Fields, that is a pretty good start. I think Kenny could work Fields and Anderson.

[maggsmaggs]

Finally a Rumor that I would actually want to happen.. KW would be GOd imo.. If he pulls this off. Just thinking about the 1-2 punch of Crawford/Pods I'm getting gitty like a little school girl.

 

If we can pull this off we better then sign Crede to a long-term deal.. Otherwise we are f***ed down the road.

 

I would give up Fields and another OF prospect.. And for good measure send them the great Felix Diaz.

But we have Micah Schurestein (sp?,) I am semi-serious and partially being sarcastic. I actually think he may have a decent future.

[Chisoxfn]

O'boy, this is going to be a 25 page thread, I can see it now.

I just cant see a deal centered around Fields is going to get the job done, not after what they were asking for Huff, but I guess anything can happen.

 

Fields,Tracy, and maybe Rogo for Crawford? Please?

That would be nice. I'm guessing the Drays would want pitching. Hell, I'm not all that familiar with there needs. They obviously plan on using Baldelli in center and I'm assuming Gaithright and Crawford will be moved. They have Delmon Young to play one of the OF spots and I know they have a younger OF that played well for them last year (Johnny Ghomes or something). So would they even have interest in an OF prospect or are they moving Crawford because his contract is due to pay him more money than they want to invest?

 

Obviously Tracey would be a fit and they really don't have any 3rd base prospects (unless they decide to move Upton there and I don't see that happening). Lugo will be gone during the offseason as will Huff (so I can definately see the interest in Fields). Hell, I even see the interest in Rogo potentially.

 

I just don't know if that would be enough, I'd think they'd want one upper echelon prospect. We can't really offer them much at catching (our talent is at lower levels in Francisco and Lucy) and middle infield wise we are weak (plus they have BJ, unless of course they want Willie).

 

We are OF strong, still have some good pitching prospects, and than there is Fields. If we could make that deal I'd do it, although our system would be pretty thin, I'd have zero problem dealing prospects for a 24 year old outfielder that is already good and is getting better ever year.

[greasywheels121]

DO IT!!!

[Chisoxfn]

But we have Micah Schurestein (sp?,) I am semi-serious and partially being sarcastic.  I actually think he may have a decent future.

I'm one of the few that likes Micah more than Fields so I consider it a win to move Fields because it opens up a spot in AA for Micah. As of now it looks like either Fields gets rushed to AAA (cause I don't think he's ready) or Micah stays a while longer in WS (until Fields gets promoted) cause I dont' see both in Bham.

 

Fields is a former 1st rounder and has a high upside, but he's yet to do enough to cement a really high trade value. Although there isn't much doubt to his potential and ability. Tracey has as good of an arm as any righty in our system (although he's older than most prospects, he's still what I'd consider an average pitching prospect with an above average arm). Rogo is more of an organizational guy but I could see a team liking him because he's near major league ready (its a good secondary piece, but I don't know if that main piece is in there).

[Chisoxfn]

Isn't Jerry Owens 24? Just mind boggling how Crawford is 24 and the guy is an established lead off hitter.

Ya, but Owens was injured and of course played in college. Hell just think of how good Arod was at 24.

[That funky motion]

Baseball

Rocco's deal too like Crawford's for Carl

By MARC TOPKIN, Times Staff Writer

Published December 5, 2005

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DALLAS - The soreness in his left wrist has disappeared and the painful memories of last season are just about gone, but Carl Crawford still sounded a little hurt Sunday.

 

Crawford, who confirmed he has agreed to play for the U.S. team in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, said the Devil Rays' decision to sign Rocco Baldelli, who missed the 2005 season with injuries, to a long-term deal similar to his left him shocked, confused and eager for his next contract.

 

"I'm happy we signed Rocco because we need him, but it's just a little weird," Crawford said from his Phoenix-area home. "A situation like that always raises eyebrows. I'm not going to sit here and say I'm upset, and I'm not going to sit here and say it's something I like to see. What I will say is that I understand that it is the way it is. ... I don't want to say much, but I was a little surprised, a little shocked."

 

Both outfielders signed six-year deals for around $32-million, though there are significant differences. Crawford gave the Rays options on his first two years of free agency and Baldelli gave up three years, and Crawford gets more guaranteed money, $15.25-million to $9-million. Still, they apparently are similar enough that Crawford is already looking forward to his next deal, even though this one can run through 2010.

 

"It's a little different than the way my contract is, but whenever I can be a free agent again, I know how I'll handle things," he said. "Don't think I'm not looking forward to being a free agent again."

 

He also said he wondered how it would have worked out if he had been the one injured. "I'm not too sure if what happened (to Baldelli) had happened to me, if it would have been handled the same way," he said. "I'm just happy to see the organization be generous like that. I hope if I'm injured and out for a year that I get the same kind of treatment."

 

Crawford said there is no longer pain in his wrist, which sidelined him for the final five games of the season, though he has yet to test it by swinging a bat. "Just being cautious," he said.

 

He said he likes what he has seen from the team's new administration, especially the hiring of Steve Henderson as hitting coach. "I'm actually looking forward to spring training already," he said.

 

And he said he signed paperwork that committed him to playing in the inaugural Classic in March, but he hasn't heard if he has been chosen for the U.S. team. Details will be announced today. "It should be a big deal," he said.

[HuskyCaucasian]

I am all for trading Fields. i was never sold on him since the day he was drafted. He has potential talent and may compaired his bat to that of Venturas, but his fielding is SUSPECT at best. Before he becomes a regular Major Leaguer, he'll be shifted to 1st or the Outfield. He will never be a major league third baseman.

[maggsmaggs]

I am all for trading Fields. i was never sold on him since the day he was drafted. He has potential talent and may compaired his bat to that of Venturas, but his fielding is SUSPECT at best. Before he becomes a regular Major Leaguer, he'll be shifted to 1st or the Outfield. He will never be a major league third baseman.

his strikeouts really scare me, but he does walk a good amount for such a raw player. IMO, he's a good prospect, but if traded not a major loss.

[Chisoxfn]

No knock against Owens, but just looking at it from the perspective of how excited we are for Owens who is AA at 24, while Crawford has been great in the MLB the last 4 years at 24.

Check that, how excited some of you are for Owens. I'm much more excited for Brian Anderson and Chris Young.

 

Owens is a really good athlete though, but he's going to have to really hone his baseball skills if he's going to turn into a good player. He needs to improve defensively and work very hard at his baserunning (and increasing his stolen base numbers while not getting thrown out often), plus as a leadoff type hitter he'll have to make sure he can cut down his k's and draw more walks.

[Balta1701]

Just out of curiosity...has there been a trade rumor that the Sox haven't been connected to? I'm sure our name has come up for Manny in some way.

[SSH2005]

Crawford was just b****ing about how the Devil Rays signed Rocco Baldelli to a contract similar to his, even after Baldelli missed last season with injuries.

 

http://www.sptimes.com/2005/12/05/Sports/R..._too_like.shtml

 

Crawford would probably cost some combination of Brian Anderson, Josh Fields, and Sean Tracey. And we obviously would have to pick up Crawford's entire contract, which isn't bad at all. He'd be worth it though if we didn't have to give up McCarthy.

Edited December 6, 2005 by SSH2005

[maggsmaggs]

KW is always under the radar thinking of creative, far-fetched and out-of-the-box ways to improve the team, and who can't love it?

[HuskyCaucasian]

his strikeouts really scare me, but he does walk a good amount for such a raw player. IMO, he's a good prospect, but if traded not a major loss.

I just pulled up his minor league stats to make sure my memory was right on the fielding thing and then I saw his strikeouts! No thanks, move him to another team.