Carl Crawford’s option for 2010 was picked up by Tampa Bay for a little more than 10 million. That is quite a bit of money for a team that flat out does not spend money, which is why Tampa’s C.C. could be traded in the upcoming months. This winter is again going to be one full of trade talk as the free agent class is just not that strong once you get past the top 8 or 9 guys, so teams looking to upgrade could dabble to Tampa- looking for an all star.

Tampa obviously won’t part with Crawford for nothing, as  he’s coming off a career year offensively, but the emergence of Desmond Jennings really might force their hand. Jennings is arguably FASTER than Crawford and can be even better suited for the lead off spot. Hard to figure right? But for a team that’s always looking to cut salary in some degree, has the perfect excuse to trade their franchise’s brightest star.

Crawford is still in what’s considered the prime years, and I don’t think he’ll get the same 90 million dollar package Ichiro got a few years ago, but he’ll definitely warrant a good 5-year deal worth nearly 60 million or so next year so giving up 3 or 4 of your best prospects on top of that deal will probably scare off alot of suitors. However, those teams that miss out on Jason Bay and Matt Holliday will likely call the Rays and see what kind of deal they can pull off.