As it turns out, it wasn’t too difficult of a decision for the Rays. Last year, the 28-year-old left fielder had arguably his best season. He finished with a .305 batting average to go along with 15 homers, 68 RBIs, 96 runs and 60 steals. The 60 steals were a new career-high and he also posted a career-high on-base percentage of .364.

Crawford is a fan favorite in Tampa Bay and is arguably the best player in franchise history. He tops the Rays record books in games, hits, triples, RBIs, runs and stolen bases.

The Yankees owe a bit of their World Series title to Crawford since Crawford was the MVP of the All-Star Game. The American League winning the game gave New York home field advantage and that proved important in the series against the Phillies.

Carl Crawford - Tampa Bay Rays (Image: Zuma Press)

Post from: Knuckle Curve

After striking out in their bid to land Roy Halladay from the Toronto Blue Jays, the Phillies called the Cleveland Indians about their ace. The two teams soon agreed to a deal that sent Lee to Philadelphia in return for four minor league prospects.

Lee’s Cy Young award numbers were obviously impressive. He had a 22-3 record to go along with a 2.54 ERA. This season, Lee has continued to pitch well. He has a 3.14 ERA and a record of 7-9. Considering that the Indians are 42-60, his record is relatively good.

On the Phillies, Lee will form an intimidating one-two punch with Cole Hamels atop the starting pitching rotation. When the playoffs arrive, Philadelphia is now a team no one wants to see across the diamond. Already stacked with a potent offense, their pitching should also be a strength now as well.

The Indians received catcher Lou Marson, pitcher Jason Knapp, shortstop Jason Donald and pitcher Carlos Carrasco.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Prior to his return, Lidge will make one final minor league appearance. Reports have him being activated on either Wednesday or Friday.

Last season, Lidge was amazing. He had 48 save opportunities and converted on all 48. This season, Lidge hasn’t been nearly as dominant.

In 28 games, the 6-foot-5 reliever has a 7.27 ERA and has allowed 33 hits and 14 walks in 26 innings of work. He’s also allowed seven homers and has blow six of his 19 save opportunities. His record on the season stands at 0-3.

Even though the Phillies are in first place in the NL East, they need Lidge to return to form if they have any hope of winning back-to-back World Series championships.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

Due to the suspension, Game 5 will continue on Tuesday — which was originally a day off. The game will continue right where it was with the score tied at two apiece.

If the Rays win Game 5 on Tuesday, Game 6 will be in Tampa Bay on Wednesday. If the Rays can also win that game, Game 7 will be on Thursday in Tampa Bay. Each of the three games will be shown at 8PM and can be seen on television on Fox.

Here are BJ Upton and Carlos Pena in a video talking about the postponement of Game 5:

Post from: Knuckle Curve

I’m an admitted bandwagon baseball fan. I love the sport of baseball but I don’t love any specific team. The last team I loved was the Montreal Expos — and we all saw what happened to the Expos. However, each year I latch on to a few teams and watch those teams a little bit more. Who are my favorite baseball teams in 2008?

Los Angeles Dodgers
The combination of Joe Torre and Manny Ramirez trying to climb the mountain all the way to the World Series is a good story. Those two long-time rivals are now fighting for the same cause on the other side of the country.

Chicago Cubs
The lovable losers are actually winners this year. This is one of the best Chicago Cubs teams in a long time. If the Cubs are ever going to end their World Series drought, wouldn’t this be the perfect year?

Texas Rangers
The Josh Hamilton story is just too cool not to follow. Hamilton has gone from heroin to hero in record time. Although the Rangers don’t have much of a chance to make the postseason, they have an puncher’s shot.

Tampa Bay Rays
Who can’t love what the Tampa Bay Rays are doing. In years past, the Devil Rays were one of the worst franchises of all-time. Seemingly overnight, the Rays are now making a run at the American League playoffs.

Photo: Newscom

Post from: Knuckle Curve

On Hanley Ramirez, before his monster rookie campaign (.292/.353/.480 at age 22) with the Florida Marlins:

There’s no indication that he is ready for the major leagues, but the Marlins are apparently going to let him try.

On Jimmy Rollins, in 2004 (three years before he won the NL MVP):

In any event, his power and speed both appear to be dissipating, and without those he won’t hold a starting job for long.

On Chase Utley, before the 2005 season (in which he hit .291/.376/.540):

Utley is not going to be a star, but second base is a thin position and his extra-base power should provide the Phillies with a competitive advantage.

On the Chicago White Sox, before 2005:

Their opportunity has passed; the constant exodus of talent will relegate this team to second-tier status.

The folks at Prospectus almost nailed this one. They were a year early, and they forgot the part about winning a World Championship. Ah, the devil is in the details…

Fun stuff here. Be sure to read the entire article over at Seamheads.com.

Post from: Knuckle Curve

At THT, I’ve gone with the popular pick except for AL West (I chose Mariners over Angels), AL Wild Card (Indians over Yankees), and NL Cy Young (Jake Peavy over Johan Santana — there’s my Padres bias kicking in because, hey, someone’s got to have a Padres bias).

I also have the Diamondbacks beating the Tigers in the World Series. We’ll see what happens…

How about you? Any predictions you’d care to share?

Post from: Knuckle Curve