Crawford signed?

[sprocketboy]

I got this from a thread at PP (http://www.patriotsplanet.com/BB/showthread.php?p=1618355#post1618355).

ESPN is reporting that Carl Crawford will sign with Red Sox for 7/142 (http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/mlb/news/story?id=5901372), contingent on Crawford passing a physical.

[nomars_girl]

http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2010/12/09/sox_sign_up_crawford_for_142m/?p1=News_links

Yup. I'm absolutely stunned.

[Mikiemo83]

amazing that the Sox did this

Rob Bradford is on WEEI right now and said Brian Cashman was in the Lobby while this went down and he admitted it was a big signing..so Bradford said it is going to be a great summer to which Cashman said no it isn't

speed kills, hopefully it kills the opposition

[Mikiemo83]

Red Sox' Signing of Carl Crawford Makes Resounding Statement, Puts Pressure on All of Baseball

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla -- The Red Sox entered the 2010 baseball winter meetings already deemed one of the winners, having traded for slugging first baseman Adrian Gonzalez. They figure to leave it with 29 teams in their extremely impressive wake.

Carl Crawford, the top positional free agent on the market and someone who was presumed to be off the Sox’ radar as recently as sundown Wednesday, was reported by The Boston Globe to be signed by Boston to a seven-year, $142 million contract before midnight, representing the highest paid contract for an outfielder in baseball history.

The move gives Boston a lineup so deep that projecting where Crawford might hit is not exactly a cinch, and potentially so good that it will conjure up memories of the relentless lineups the club boasted in years past, but maybe never quite like this. On paper, at least.

It also shakes the rival New York Yankees to their core. They came to Florida knowing the Sox may have matched their Mark Teixeira coup with Gonzalez, but figured that their rivals would do little else other than add to a shaky bullpen and perhaps make a move for a right-handed bat or "complementary" outfielder. Instead, after watching Boston undergo an offensive transformation unlike any in offseasons of recent memory, their pursuit of left-hander Cliff Lee could reach mythic proportions, if they allow the Crawford move to affect them so.

New York most recently offered six years and $140 million to Lee, who has been looking for a seventh year. If Boston rolls into Yankee Stadium with a lineup loaded with top-notch left-handed hitters, the presence of Lee will be a must-have, as will that of Andy Pettitte. That ball’s in Yankees general manager Brian Cashman’s court.

Meanwhile, his counterpart, Theo Epstein, has seemingly convinced ownership to stray from what has defined them in recent years. Twice in a week he has given players long-term contracts beyond the duration the club ever gave out in the current regime. It was even somewhat shocking that John Lackey got five years last offseason. The fact that Crawford and Gonzalez are that special likely has something to do with it.

Gonzalez, after officially signing an extension, will be a Red Sox through 2018. Crawford will by his side for the first seven of those years.

On Tuesday at the winter meetings, Cashman reportedly expressed "frustration" with the pace of the Lee negotiations. He then had a meeting with Crawford and his representatives. The writing on the wall would suggest that he may have seen this coming and hoped to lock up Lee before he becomes an absolute necessity and, therefore, more expensive. Also, the meeting with Boston’s new left fielder could’ve been a last-gasp effort to keep him from the Sox -- Cashman’s outfield is relatively set so the addition of Crawford would seem to signal excessiveness, unless another move was made.

Now, there is no Crawford, and Lee will have that much more ammunition in asking for the world. It was Lee’s willingness to wait it out that may have kept enough teams at bay, allowing the Sox to strike when very few believed they would.

In a session with the Boston media contingent early Wednesday night, Epstein said he wasn’t close to pulling anything off, was further from finalizing a deal than he was the night before, had just one meeting planned with a player he had yet to make an offer and remained committed to less-sexy items like finding middle relief. At some point, when asked jokingly about who might be the GM most disliked, he said it could be him by the next morning.

It was a throwaway line amid a relaxed, relatively news-less session in Epstein’s suite at the Swan and Dolphin Resort, but there just might’ve been some truth to the whole thing. Perhaps Epstein knew he was about to steal the offseason.

http://www.nesn.com/2010/12/red-sox-reported-signing-of-carl-crawford-makes-resounding-statement-puts-pressure-on-all-of-basebal.html?ct7l

[Mikiemo83]

MLB Winter Meetings Day 4 Live Blog: Teams Left to Play Catch-Up After Red Sox Steal Show
6 a.m.: At this point, they're all playing for second place.

The 2010 Major League Baseball winter meetings wrap up on Thursday morning, but in reality, the Red Sox wrapped them up with their signing of Carl Crawford late Wednesday night.

The Sox came into the meetings by trading for Adrian Gonzalez and it looks like they'll leave them by signing Crawford to a seven-year, $142 million deal.

That's not to say there isn't business left to be finished at the meetings. The Rule 5 draft is slated for Thursday morning, and there are still plenty of big names on the market. Both Cliff Lee and Adrian Beltre have yet to make their decisions on where they'll play next season. With the market officially set, perhaps those dominoes will start to fall on Thursday before everyone leaves Disney.

Either way, stick with NESN.com for all the live-blog coverage of the final day of the winter meetings.


http://www.nesn.com/2010/12/mlb-winter-meetings-day-4-live-blog-teams-left-to-play-catch-up-after-red-sox-steal-show.html

Beltre as DH?

[SamBam39]

Still need to finalize the bullpen, but this is a big signing! It took me totally by surprise. I figured the Sox were done. Now I wonder where he will bat? Do they leave him in the 2 hole and move Pedey down? Or move him to 3rd. Ellsbury and Crawford at the top of the line up would just be awesome on the bases. A lot of run scoring potential for Gonzo and Youk. This lineup could be pretty potent.

[Joolz]

Still need to finalize the bullpen, but this is a big signing! It took me totally by surprise. I figured the Sox were done. Now I wonder where he will bat? Do they leave him in the 2 hole and move Pedey down? Or move him to 3rd. Ellsbury and Crawford at the top of the line up would just be awesome on the bases. A lot of run scoring potential for Gonzo and Youk. This lineup could be pretty potent.

Wow! Just WOW! I didn't see this one coming. I echo your sentiments SamBam, I can't wait for the season to start. *Lineup-wise, options galore! Can't wait.











*A couple of our members offered lineup predictions on the other Planet. Sigh. Yeah, I know. I really need to stop 1934 .

[nomars_girl]

They could also be considering a trade involving ellsbury. The lineup is currently very left handed.

[sprocketboy]

I'm just wondering which of us will be quickest to blow a fuse if they don't rack up 6 runs in the first inning against whoever they face on Opening Day.

[Joolz]

I'm just wondering which of us will be quickest to blow a fuse if they don't rack up 6 runs in the first inning against whoever they face on Opening Day.

Poll? ;)

[Joolz]

They could also be considering a trade involving ellsbury. The lineup is currently very left handed.

Good point, but maybe not.

Epstein: No trade is needed (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/12/epstein_no_trad.html)

Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff December 9, 2010 12:00 PM
Because the final contract language is not done and Carl Crawford must still take a physical, Theo Epstein would not talk specifically about the new left fielder of the Red Sox.

But he did drop a little info on the media.

The Red Sox, he said, do not have to make a trade to accommodate Crawford, although the move does make it a little easier to do that if they want. In other words, Jacoby Ellsbury is not necessarily going anywhere.

Epstein pointed out that a second-round pick is not as valuable as a first rounder. So the Red Sox might be more willing to sign a second Type A free agent as the compensation is less.

Such a player would be lefty reliever Scott Downs.

Back with more later on.

[Joolz]

:drool:

The need for speed (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/12/the_need_for_sp.html)
Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff December 9, 2010 12:55 PM
Interesting statistical nugget from Jon Paul Morosi of Fox Sports:

Over the seven-year period that began in 2003, either Carl Crawford or Jacoby Ellsbury led the American League in stolen bases in all but one season.

In other news, the Yankees might be using defensively challenged Jesus Montero to catch next season. Those two guys might score 200+ runs and steal 75+ bases and give other teams fits.

[Mikiemo83]

Wow! Just WOW! I didn't see this one coming. I echo your sentiments SamBam, I can't wait for the season to start. *Lineup-wise, options galore! Can't wait.











*A couple of our members offered lineup predictions on the other Planet. Sigh. Yeah, I know. I really need to stop 1934 .I apologize....forgive me for I have sinned




Elsbury L
Pedrioa R
Crawford L
Gonzalez L
Youk R
Papi L
Catcher position/Cameron S/R
Drew/Catcher position L/S
Scutaro S

[3 Point Stan]

Let's just hope the Yanks' rotation doesn't get anymore "left-handed."

If ya know what I mean (wink, wink)

[nomars_girl]

Let's just hope the Yanks' rotation doesn't get anymore "left-handed."

If ya know what I mean (wink, wink)

Please Texas. Take all that TV $$ and sign Cliff Lee.

[dunaja]

I apologize....forgive me for I have sinned




Elsbury L
Pedrioa R
Crawford L
Gonzalez L
Youk R
Papi L
Catcher position/Cameron S/R
Drew/Catcher position L/S
Scutaro S

Damn our lineup is left-handed. That might be our Achilles' heel.

I see that you want a righty between Ellsbury and Crawford, but the thought of Crawford running behind Pedroia makes me throw up a little in my mouth. He does understand the rule about not being able to pass your teammate on the basepath, right?

[dunaja]

Mike Cameron's status was just downgraded from "has no business on this team" to "really, really, really has no business on this team."

And yet I'm calling it right now, we trade Ellsbury. Because who wants a 27 year old at the top of your lineup when you can have a 38 year old at the bottom of your lineup? (fielding a position that requires speed?)

[Joolz]

December 11th Crawford press conference.

<embed src="http://blip.tv/play/hZNkgpPRTgI%2Em4v" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="301">

http://www.nesn.com/2010/12/watch-carl-crawford-news-conference.html

[Joolz]

Crawford sends a greeting to the fans (http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/extras/extra_bases/2010/12/crawford_send_a.html)
Posted by Peter Abraham, Globe Staff December 11, 2010 02:35 PM

1937
On his way home today, Carl Crawford hopped on Twitter to say hello to Boston.

Crawford also appeared at the Christmas at Fenway event to take a few questions.

[Mikiemo83]

Please Texas. Take all that TV $$ and sign Cliff Lee.

The longer this drags the better the chances he remains in Texas. So tv money is working I pray

[Joolz]

The longer this drags the better the chances he remains in Texas. So tv money is working I pray

I really hope so and I'm praying too. It looks like the Sox may have played a bit part in the drama.

1938

The Yankees are locked in a waiting game as Cliff Lee mulls his potential landing spot and the Bombers may have the Red Sox to blame for prolonging the process.

Boston was one of the teams to make the free-agent prize a seven-year offer during the winter meetings, a source with knowledge of the talks said Saturday. But the Red Sox's bid, which they made on Tuesday, was a purposely low proposal designed mostly to keep the Yankees occupied with their Lee pursuit, so the Red Sox could concentrate on landing Carl Crawford, the player the Sox coveted, the source added.http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/baseball/yankees/2010/12/11/2010-12-11_red_sox_made_sevenyear_offer_to_cliff_lee_to_ra ise_price_for_yankees_on_coveted_.html

[SamBam39]

The Phillies are now reported to be the 3rd team in on Cliff Lee. Wow this is taking a long time.

[Joolz]

Nice. Very nice indeed.

Carl Crawford Thanked by Rays Fans in Full-Page Newspaper Ad (http://www.nesn.com/2010/12/carl-crawford-thanked-by-rays-fans-in-full-page-newspaper-ad.html)
by Michael Hurley on Fri, Dec 17, 2010 at 1:09PM


Generally, it's the player who takes out a full-page newspaper ad to thank the city that he's leaving. In the case of Carl Crawford though, it's the Tampa Bay community that's thanking him.

Though the All-Star outfielder left Tampa for big bucks in Boston, there's no ill will from Rays fans. That's mostly because Crawford played 925 games for the Rays before getting a chance to taste the playoffs, giving his best effort every night.

As a result, the people at DRaysBay.com took out an ad in the Tampa Bay Times, thanking Crawford for his dedication to the Rays over the past nine years.

The ad includes an image of Crawford's catch in the 2009 All-Star game, with the following text underneath:

The Tampa Bay Rays franchise has undergone a lot of change in the past nine years: new name, new uniforms, new managers, and new ownership. The one constant in all of that change has been Carl Crawford.

Our franchise leader in hits, batting average, stolen bases, doubles, triples, runs scored, breath-taking defensive plays, and more, Crawford has become one of Tampa Bay's most beloved sports figures. It's rare for any player to spend nine years of their career in one city, let alone the best left fielder in all of baseball.

The Rays are still strong and will stay competitive, but we should consider ourselves lucky to have seen Crawford play. Good luck in the rest of your career, Carl -- you’ve earned it.

Thanks for everything,
The Tampa Bay Community

Steve Slowinski, a contributor to DRaysBay.com, explained the purpose of the ad.

"This project was about two things: thanking our franchise's best player for his service in our community, and showing the world that Tampa Bay fans do exist and have class and dignity," he wrote on the site. "I think we've sent both messages loud and clear."1939

[3 Point Stan]

If any of you ever take out a full-page ad to thank a player who went on to become a millionaire elsewhere, I am going to punch you square in the nose. You've been warned :)

[Mikiemo83]

If any of you ever take out a full-page ad to thank a player who went on to become a millionaire elsewhere, I am going to punch you square in the nose. You've been warned :)

I concur

[SamBam39]

Don't worry I won't! :)

[SamBam39]

*A couple of our members offered lineup predictions on the other Planet. Sigh. Yeah, I know. I really need to stop 1934 .
There is another Planet? Not for me. ;)

[Joolz]

If any of you ever take out a full-page ad to thank a player who went on to become a millionaire elsewhere, I am going to punch you square in the nose. You've been warned :)

I concur

I guess this should have been filet mignon and Dom Perignon rather than BBQ. ;)

Carl Crawford left the Rays, but he didn't want to leave a bad taste in their mouths.

So Crawford, who signed a 7-year, $142-million deal with Boston, arranged for lunch to be catered and delivered Wednesday to team employees at Tropicana Field.

There were about 150 employees on hand to enjoy the barbecue meal.

Crawford, who played nine seasons with the Rays before leaving as a free agent, was not at the Trop for the lunch.http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/rays/content/crawford-thanks-rays-lunch

[SamBam39]

Well it was the Red Sox who gave him the big bucks. So if he was going to buy steaks and champagne, shouldn't it be for Sox employees? ;)

[Joolz]

Well it was the Red Sox who gave him the big bucks. So if he was going to buy steaks and champagne, shouldn't it be for Sox employees? ;)

Good point. I had another thought. He should have invited the folks at DRaysBay.com who took out the full-page ad.

[SamBam39]

Good point. I had another thought. He should have invited the folks at DRaysBay.com who took out the full-page ad.
Yeah, that's true.:thumb:

[sprocketboy]

That whole ad smacks of 'Dear Carl: we're sorry we are such lousy fans that we don't pony up the bucks to come out and see you team play, even when you have a chance to get back in the World Series. Good luck playing in that city that actually cares about baseball.'

Hockey fans in Phoenix act the same way. The team here isn't even that bad, but nobody shows up at the games, except when someone like Detroit or Boston is in town. Then, the opponents' fans buy up all the good seats.

Effing sad.