Carl Crawford is coming back for the 2010 season. Now, will he be a Tampa Bay Ray beyond that?
That’s the real million dollar question.
On Monday the Tampa Bay Rays picked up the $10 million club option for this season on Crawford, the three-time All-Star left fielder who enjoyed one of his best seasons in 2009.
“Obviously, the question everyone wants to know is what does the future mean?,” Rays vice president of baseball Andrew Friedman said.
And?
“I don’t think anyone can answer that,” Friedman said. “I think both sides are very interested, which is a great starting point. We won’t be giving a blow-by-blow account. But I think it’s safe to assume that at some point we will have conversations about possibly extending the contract even further. But for right now, this ensures he’ll be with us in 2010 and whether it’s something this offseason or next, we’ll certainly do what we can to keep Carl in a Rays uniform as long as possible.”
Crawford battled back from an injury-plagued 2008 to put up some of his best numbers in 2009. After spending the offseason in his native Houston participating in a program that targeted his troublesome hamstrings, Crawford stole a career-high 60 bases. He batted .305 — his fourth .300-plus season — hit 15 home runs, drove in 68 runs and scored 96 times.
Crawford will turn 29 in August, and Friedman and his staff are well aware of the decline in production from players after their 30th birthday. Yet, Friedman acknowledged Crawford is not your ordinary baseball player.
“His work ethic has never wavered and is something that would allow him to age well,” Friedman said.
Crawford, who could not be reached for comment, said before the end of last season that he is willing to resign with the Rays.
“I would be open to whatever, and they know that,” Crawford said in September. “It’s no secret. I just really hope something happens.”
Friedman said a deal would likely be completed before the start of the season since it is the Rays policy not to negotiate with players during the regular season.
“You never say never,” Friedman. “And it’s one of those things that’s going to take some creativity and really going through things, and the important part is both sides are approaching it in an earnest manner.”
Trading Scott Kazmir to the Angels in August took $22 million off the books and could clear some payroll to resign Crawford, the Rays longest-tenured player.
So did declining the 2010 options on relief pitcher Brian Shouse ($2 million) and catcher Gregg Zaun ($2 million). Friedman said both could be back next season, though at a reduced salary.
The Rays also claimed right-handed pitcher Ramon Ramirez off waivers from the Reds.
“We envision him as a bullpen arm,” Friedman said.
Also on Monday, the Rays announced catcher Dioner Navarro had surgery last month on an ulnar nerve in his left elbow. Navarro is expected to be ready for spring training.
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