Carl Crawford Available?

Just a mini-rumor of sorts, only a notch above speculation.  But hey, this is a rumor site.  Yahoo’s Tim Brown mentions that Tampa Bay outfielder Carl Crawford can be had, and suggests the Angels make an offer.

It’s early yet, but it looks like Crawford will set a career high in walks at age 25.  He’s never topped 37 in a season, but already has 15 in 34 games.  This is an excellent step forward in development, and convenient for the walk-allergic Angels if they’re interested.  Hopefully they wouldn’t unteach the new skill.  Crawford is also maintaining his power with a .481 SLG.

Crawford is signed through his prime on a very team-friendly contract: assuming all options are exercised, he’s owed $27.5MM for 2007-10.  A package of prospects centered around oft-rumored Ervin Santana seems to make sense.  The mass media is calling for the Halos’ pitching surplus to be used for a bat, and I agree.  However, I’m not sure Crawford would give them the significant jolt of OBP and SLG they need.  I’d like to see the Angels revisit the Todd Helton talks, or maybe go after Pat Burrell or Adam Dunn.