Carl Crawford (2002-2010)
Carl Crawford terrorized the Red Sox while he was a member of the Tampa Bay Rays. Then, after signing in Boston as a free agent, he continued to help the Rays.
A brilliant speedster, Crawford was the type of player that the Rays came to be known for. He had solid contact skills, allowing him to use his excellent speed to get on base. Once there, Crawford did not stop running, leading the American League in steals and triples four times. He had a bit of pop, with six seasons of double digit homers, and was an excellent defensive player.
The prototypical Rays outfielder, Crawford blended his speed and power in a way that Rays fans came to know and love. He was a four time All Star, winning a Gold Glove award and a Silver Slugger during his final year in Tampa Bay. Of course, signing a large contract with the Red Sox, and then failing to live up to even a tenth of the value, adds to his legacy.
During those nine years with the Rays, Crawford was one of the more dynamic players in the game. He posted a .296/.337/.444 batting line, hitting 104 homers and 215 doubles. His excellent speed was apparent, as he stole 409 bases and hit 105 triples. That speed was also handy in the outfield, as Crawford led AL left fielders in runs saved twice, and in range factor five times.
Carl Crawford came to be the type of outfielder the Tampa Bay Rays looked to develop. He was a dynamic player, and the perfect leadoff hitter for the Rays.