Carl Crawford Sweepstakes on Tap

With the San Francisco Giants potentially just hours away from clinching their 1st World Series title in over 50 years, teams are waiting in anticipation for the beginning of the free agent frenzy. The Red Sox and Yankees are 2 clubs looking to bring in a big name or 2 to help them in 2011. We will likely see at least 2, if not 3 or 4 top players be caught in a bidding war between the AL East rivals, so it is important that both Theo Epstein and Brian Cashman prioritize their targets. Given the recent history of bidding wars between the 2 clubs (Mark Teixeira), it would bode well for the Red Sox to focus on Carl Crawford and offer a big deal right from the get-go, wooing him to Fenway Park. With the Yankees likely aiming for Cliff Lee as a priority, the Sox may be able to swoop in on Crawford and wrap him up early. Right?

Carl Crawford is the best all around player in the free agent market this off-season and will warrant a massive contract, one that only a handful of big market teams can handle. The Red Sox ownership has already implied that they need to make some changes in order to have a better year in 2011, so why not start by not only wrapping up an incredible 5-tool outfielder, but also preventing him from going to their primary competition in the AL East. It is not the only move the Sox need to make obviously, but would sure up the Sox outfield situation and stabilize the top of the Sox lineup in 1 fell swoop. If the Sox wait on Crawford, the Yankees will entice him to NY and Theo will watch another big name slip away.

In his 9-year career in Tampa Bay, Crawford hit .296 in 4,992 at-bats. He has hit 104 home runs and 105 triples, while stealing 409 bases (leading the league 4 different years). Crawford uses his speed to play an incredibly strong defense and will be a great fit at Fenway Park in the vast center field triangle. On top of his offensive and defensive accomplishments, Crawford is durable, having appeared in 150+ games 6 of his 8 full years in the league, while playing in 109 and 143 in the other 2 years. The 4-time All-Star wants the money and wants a ring, making Boston the perfect place for his services next season.

As much as I would love to see the Texas Rangers fight back and take this World Series to 6 or 7 games, I doubt it will come to that the way the Giants are swinging the bats. Ultimately, with questions abound about the future of the Red Sox after the 2010 season and the handful of big name free agents the Sox need to deal with, such as Adrian Beltre, Victor Martinez and David Ortiz, I can’t wait for this off-season to officially start. The sooner the World Series ends, the sooner the frenzy of player and team options starts and the sooner the free agent bidding wars begin. With big names available and big name teams looking to spend money, fasten your seatbelt because this is going to get nutty in November and December.

I think I speak for most Red Sox fans when I say that a pitching and defensive approach like last off-season is unacceptable. The Sox need some major help, especially with the likely departure of Victor Martinez and the uncertainty about Adrian Beltre and David Ortiz’s future. This time of year is the reason GM’s get paid the big bucks, let’s hope that Theo can represent the Fenway faithful with pride and instill the fan base with confidence. Stay glued to your computer because rumors and transactions will be flying.