Rays pick up Crawford’s option

Posted Nov 9, 2009 by Tribune Sports

Updated Nov 9, 2009 at 04:31 PM

The Rays took one of their most expected steps of the offseason today, exercising the $10 million option on left fielder Carl Crawford’s contract for 2010.

The club also made decisions on left-handed pitcher Brian Shouse and catcher Greg Zaun, declining $2 million options on both players, and clamed right-handed relief pitcher Ramon Ramirez off waivers from the Reds.

It was practically a foregone conclusion the Rays would pick up Craqwford’s option. Not certain, though, is whether the club can sign Crawford to an extension before the “walk year” of his contract begins. Crawford said in late September he wants to remain in Tampa Bay and anticipated talks about a long-term deal this winter.

Crawford, 28, is the longest-tenured Ray and the club’s all-time leader in hits, at-bats, runs, stolen bases, triples, games played and RBIs.  The 2009 season was one of his best: He hit .305 with 15 home runs, 68 RBI, 96 runs scored and a career-high and club-record 60 stolen bases.  The three-time All-Star also was named MVP of the 2009 All-Star Game after robbing Colorado’s Brad Hawpe of a go-ahead home run in the seventh inning. 

Shouse, 41, appeared in 45 games for the Rays in 2009, going 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA (28.0-IP, 14-ER) as a lefty specialist.  Zaun, 38, was acquired in a trade with the Orioles on August 7 and won the admiration of manager Joe Maddon.  In 30 games with the Rays he batted .287 with four home runs and 14 RBI, and hit .302 against right-handed pitching.  He is a 15-year-veteran.

Ramirez, 27, compiled a 3.65 ERA (12.1-IP, 5-ER) in 11 relief appearances for the Reds last season during two stints in the major leagues.  In parts of two seasons in the majors, he is 1-1 with a 2.97 ERA (39.1-IP, 13-ER) in 16 games (four starts) while holding opponents to a .184 (25-for-136) batting average.

—Tony Fabrizio