In his recent article on FanGraphs, David Cameron suggests that Tampa Bay should consider trading Carl Crawford later this season. I love his work, but here I will have to respectfully disagree.
The argument for trading Crawford has significant merit. Cot’s Baseball Contracts, a fantastic website itself, shows that Crawford is due $8.25 million this year with a 2010 team option for $10 million with a $1.25 buyout. With the Rays’ payroll having jumped from $43 million in 2008 to $63 million in 2009 and youngsters like B.J. Upton and Matt Garza still without long term contracts, the team certainly has the need to be more cost conscious heading into 2010 and beyond.
In addition, should Matt Holliday’s tenure in Oakland show the ugly side of playing outside Coors Field and Jason Bay’s tenure in Boston show enough value to get him resigned, Crawford’s availability and modest price tag would make him extremely attractive. Tampa Bay would have a chance to further stock an already loaded minor league system. What would Kenny Williams offer to bring Crawford in to play centerfield for the White Sox?
But the Rays have an opportunity to win now. The AL Championship team from last year’s World Series added Pat Burrell and got another year of development from young studs David Price, Evan Longoria, Upton, and Garza. They’re clearly in win now mode and having the superb defense, top of the lineup speed/power combo, and leadership that Crawford offers would go a long way.
Moreover, the Rays are attempting to solidify their fan base in the Tampa Bay / St. Petersburg area while garnering support for a replacement for Tropicana Field. Rays management has been pushing for Rays Ballpark and a big part of making that a reality is getting the support of your fanbase.
Crawford’s been a career (Devil) Ray. He’s beloved by fans. And although Price and Longoria look to be focal points going forward, Crawford’s been the only “franchise player” Tampa Bay has known to date. Trading Crawford would be, as one Ray fan commented on FanGraphs, “A knife to my gut.”
