Red Sox sign Carl Crawford

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   I am DB Cooperposted 14 years ago

   The top position player free agent has signed a 7-year deal with the Red Sox worth over $20 million per year. Does this make the Red Sox the favorites in the AL East or are they still looking up at the Yankees and Rays? Also, does this mean the Yankees will bid way over the market price for Cliff Lee?

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      bogerkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      This signing, much like the Werth signing on Sunday, kind of came out of nowhere.
      
      It seems like an odd choice for me since Crawford's main attributes (speed and defense) are limited playing in front of The Green Monster.
      
      However, with a lineup of Crawford, Pedroia, Gonzalez, Youkilis and Ortiz, it would be hard to bet against Boston in the AL East.

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         Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Crawford actually doesn't have to play in front of the Green Monster. They can switch him to the other side of Ellsbury. I am not sure about J.D. Drew's ability to play a full year.
         
         Don't get me wrong, J.D.Drew has been consistently hit 20 homers every season, but has been limited in playing time due to other issues.
         
         I agree with Crawford as a leadoff hitter, Boston lineup is dangerous.

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      Rogochuksposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The Redsox will have three sixteen game winning pitchers in 2011; they will also have three gold glove winners. They will break all kinds of records and win the world series.

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         I am DB Cooperposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         The 2010 Yankees had a 21 and 18 game winner, and another pitcher who was 12-3. They also had the best closer in the game, 3 Gold Glove winners, and one of the best lineups in baseball. They didn't make it to the World Series. One or two key injuries can destroy an otherwise great team.

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   rotlposted 14 years ago

   I'm not that high on Crawford... I don't think he's a difference maker. Seems the free agent market was so weak this year that average guys are getting ridiculous money (see Jason Werth).
   
   I think Yankees are still the favorites in the AL East and the AL for that matter now they have Cliff Lee (they just upped their offer to 7 years).

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      I am DB Cooperposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree, the free agent market was weak. Crawford is only a .350 on-base percentage guy, which is pretty low when his biggest asset is being getting on base and causing havoc on the basepaths. One big positive for Boston is that they won't have to play against Crawford anymore. Boston catchers are terrible at throwing out runners, and nobody took advantage of that more than Crawford. Two years ago he stole 6 bases in one game against the Red Sox. The big question now for the grounds crew is whether or not they should soak the infield dirt to slow down opponents or keep it dry for Crawford and Ellsbury.

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   Cagsilposted 14 years ago

   I think it is a good signing. He is a small ball player with a little bit of power and a whole lot of speed. That speed is in the outfield and on the base path.
   
   Overall, a good pickup, but worth $20 per year? No. Nothing more than $10 really, but the Free Agent Market is out of control on salaries and will top out eventually, because it can only go so high.

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   Greek Oneposted 14 years ago

   2011 will be the year of the...
   
   

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      Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Keep dreaming Greek One!

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         Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         .. or maybe 2012.. but it's coming!

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            Cagsilposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            You keep hoping.

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      I am DB Cooperposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      With the way the Orioles finished last season, the Blue Jays could be the odd man out in an AL East that once again looks like it will be the strongest division in baseball. If the Blue Jays fail to rekindle that home run power that seemed to come out of nowhere last season, they might end up with the worst record in baseball.

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         bogerkposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Agreed. I thought Toronto might compete this season and maybe even make a trade for Prince Fielder considering their pitching depth, but instead they traded their best or second best pitcher to the Brewers for a prospect that is at least another season away from even cracking the club, let alone putting up big numbers.
         
         I do think they will finish ahead of the Orioles though, as I still like their pitching staff much more.

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