Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times passes along word that the Rays are considering bringing Carl Crawford back.
Crawford was just released by the Dodgers, who are on the hook for the $35 million he’s still owed. He’d cost Tampa Bay, or anyone else interested in him, the major league minimum. Tampa Bay’s interest wouldn’t be mere Devil Rays nostalgia, however. They currently have three outfielders -- Kevin Kiermaier, Steven Souza and Brandon Guyer-- on the disabled list and could use someone. Crawford is someone, even if that someone is a shell of his former self. He hit a mediocre .278/.320/.400 with declining defense and waning speed in his four injury-riddled years with the Dodgers. In 2016 he’s only played 30 games, hitting .185/.230/.235.
Oh, and if you click through to that article, check out the stuff at the top Topkin writes about what players the Rays could’ve had if they had drafted better or if they hadn’t let players who used to be in their system go. Such things are not unique to the Rays, of course, as nearly every team could come up with a championship caliber club based on such might-have-beens, but it’s always a fun exercise to look back and wonder.