 Carl Crawford to the Cubs was fun to think about for awhile, but it doesn't look like it's going to happen now.
The Twins and Tampa Bay Rays are close to finalizing a multi-player
deal, according to several sources with knowledge of the discussions.
The deal could be announced as soon as today. The main pieces changing teams would be outfielder Delmon Young and
righthander Matt Garza. But indications were strong on Wednesday that
as many as six players could be involved.
The Rays were looking to get rid of one of their young outfielders this off-season and if/when this trade goes through, they will have done just that. Young is one of the rising stars in the game and it will be interesting to see what he can do in a lineup with Joe Mauer. He should have no problems surpassing Torii Hunter's #'s from last season, and playing centerfield possibly, on his way to becoming a contender for the MVP Award for the next decade (If the Twins keep Santana and Liriano is healthy). He has a lethal combination of power and speed on offense and an excellent arm from the outfield. He has had issues dealing with authority in the past, but he played in every game last season and only had one minor incident. The Rays shore up their pitching staff with a young, exciting pitcher in Garza. He has struggled at times in the majors but he put up ridiculous numbers in the minors. Pairing him with Scott Kazmir will give the Rays a righty-lefty combo to die for as the mature.
This trade means that the Cubs will A) go harder after Kaz Matsui to get a left handed bat in the lineup and/or B) go after the Japanese outfielder, Fukodome. I really wanted the Cubs to get Crawford, but in the back of my mind I knew it was going to be tough to do. He really would have fit in nicely in Chicago (as he would with any MLB).
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Trading Delmon Young would be the dumbest thing they could do. But, it is Tampa, so I guess I expect them to do stupid stuff.
I think, and this is just my opinion, that outfielders are the easiest to replace and pitchers the toughest. Tampa has had a really difficult time finding starting pitchers down there. With this trade they get a kid who can pitch and has a cheap contract.
This trade would turn Delmon into one of the top players in the Twins stay competitive.
so Crawford and Young go to the Twins. Garza is young but his record is mediocre at best. What other pitching are they giving up - Santana?
oops - misread. they got Young and Rays will keep Crawford.
God this trade is insane. I can't remember the last time two mega prospects were traded for one another. As a Sox fan, I'm not looking forward to seeing Delmon 18 times a year. His first career games was against the Sox and i think we went 4-5. A very interesting deal all around, does this mean the Rays are giving Dukes another chance.
Well, now that you bring it up...The Rays may be trying to move all their 'hot heads'. If they trade both Young and Dukes (possibly to the Nationals) they can still have an outfield of Crawford, Upton and Baldelli/etc. They could be emulating what the Portland TrailBlazers did...