Carl Crawford, the Tampa Bay Rays' speedy left fielder, showed up to Spring Training this week with the hopes of not only improving his own game, but the team's overall performance.
The 26-year-old two-time All-Star, four-time American League stolen base champ and all-around badass, is one of just seven guys in the past 18 years to increase his batting average over five straight seasons.
"I'd just like to do whatever I can to help the team win more games or get into a position to be better for the next year."What a guy. He's all young and excited.
Here's the thing about the Rays, though. It's true that anything is possible, but the club has averaged 97 losses per season since their 1998 inception. A new sun-shiny logo and name-change just isn't going to cut it. Sure, they've added some defense and improved their pitching staff in a monster trade with the Minnesota Twins this offseason, but they have a long way to go if they plan on competing for a playoff spot in the brutal AL East.
The good news is that guys like Crawford, who hit .315 with 11 longballs, 80 RBIs and 50 stolen bags last season, are the ones who can make all the difference.
[MLB]
6 comments:
This is what Crawford had to say about Manny Ramirez when they were at API.
“Who did I see?'' Crawford said. "Oh man, guess what? Manny was there. He was working hard too. Manny might have a big year this year, watch out for that. He’s working hard, it surprised me. Something must be going on.’’
Haha, that's good stuff.
Makes me wonder how Crawford is NOT in Pinstripes yet
Give it time; they all end up there eventually.
Oh ye of little faith -- 2008 will be the year of the Devil Ray!
If they get to .500, it'll be an accomplishment, but their farm system is unfair good. They can sell half of them to the Yankees for Giambi and Mussina and still have a decent squad to put out on the field.
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