D-Rays Shopping Crawford

[Giants666]

Back on December 5th, a source close to Tampa Bay's scouting department threw out the idea that Carl Crawford could be dealt. In particular, the Devil Rays had interest in 23 year-old righthander Ervin Santana. Despite new management since then, the rumor has picked up steam.

My source tells me that talks have resumed between the Devil Rays and Angels and the Halos may even consider adding a second prospect with Santana to acquire Crawford. Brandon Wood is a possibility.

The Rays would like to deal an outfielder now with a Delmon Young callup in the cards for September or Opening Day 2007.

In his sophomore season, Santana has sharpened his control and lessened his home run rate to become a solid #3 starter behind Kelvim Escobar and John Lackey. Component ERA says Santana's 4.32 ERA should actually be closer to 3.29 based on his peripherals.

Crawford is at .303/.349/.454 after 56 games, well ahead of PECOTA's .287/.321/.426 projection. He's signed for 2007-09 for a total of $17.5MM, while PECOTA puts his worth at about $21MM over those three seasons. The Rays know they can leverage their outfield surplus to add a solid young starter behind Scott Kazmir.

[MarinersFan87]

Santana and Wood would be robbery. Wood is a top 10 prospect.

[Fishercat]

Seriously. Santana for Crawford is a good base, and I would want more from Anaheim, but Wood seems to be much.

[MarinersFan87]

Exactly. Out of all of the Angels stud prospects Wood probably tops the list (except maybe Weaver). Angels are usually pretty stingy with their prospects and seem to prefer home grown talent, I don't see them making the deal.

[love_that_reefer]

I would like to see the Cards get Crawford. There have been some talks but nothing as far as names. The DRays need all the pitching they can get. Crawford for Santana is good but they need to throw in a position player like Morales.

[Kingdom]

It would be a mistake by them if they didn't get something ludicrous like Santana and Wood or, a similar package from another team. What they really need is multiple pitching talents in a deal, rather than another middle infielder.

[Saber]

While Crawford is having a pretty good year, he's not great yet. He'll be expensive by the time he hits his peak. Why pay that much for that, especially since the Angels are pretty much out of the running?

[ThomasTomasz]

Teams know the Devil Rays have an excess of outfielders in their farm, and therefore, wouldn't mortgage the farm for Crawford, when they know there is Delmon Young waiting for a spot. I think two top prospects is a bit much, considering what I just said. However, a top prospect and possibly a veteran would be a good trade for Crawford. Remember, its also not like Crawford is a 30 home run hitter. Great average, great leadoff hitter, great runner, and great fielder, but home runs and RBIs bring the big bucks (and prospects) which is the only area lacking for Crawford.

[Kingdom]

I'd trade Young and rip off some poor sap of a team.