CC: No more drama

Carl Crawford was here before 8 Tuesday morning, reporting early on day the before full squad workouts. He looked to be in spectacular shape, said he's changed his diet and intensified his workouts.|
And, most telling, he thought the Rays have changed for the better this season - on and off the field.
"I'm really excited this year,'' Crawford said. "I just feel like it's going to be a little more peaceful this year, more at ease. I think it will be more at ease. Not so much crazy stuff. You just get the feeling it's about everybody wanting to come out and play good baseball this year. I'm done, you know I'm not really a drama person, so I'm kinda glad stuff just seems a little smoother right now.''
Crawford said he was "surprised" the Rays traded Delmon Young to Minnesota (for Jason Bartlett and Matt Garza) but that the deal should work for both teams. The Rays also traded Elijah Dukes, whose off-field troubles were a major distraction.
Crawford added a gym to his house in Arizona, made his workouts more intensive and concentrated on making his legs stronger, which should combat the fatiguing effects of the turf at Tropicana Field. He said the change in diet - including cutting out his favorite, Taco Bell - has given him more energy.
Crawford is confident the Rays will be better this season but wasn't quite as overly optimistic as some of this teammates, saying they were "a long way from October" and should focus first on a .500 season.
"This is probably the best team they've ever put together and we all know that and I think we want to go out and show people,'' he said.
OF Jon Weber and INF Elliot Johnson also reported, leaving only Carlos Pena, Jonny Gomes, Willy Aybar and Juan Guzman to arrive, along with RHP Juan Salas, who has been delayed in the Dominican Republic by visa problems.

Comments

[Joe]

Carl worked out in the off season and concentrated on making his legs stronger? Scary thought for opposing pitchers and catchers.

[Tuck]

I think that C.C. has annually been the most underrated player in the AL.

He isn't nationally appreciated like other OF's who hit many more HR's and have higher RBI totals.

However, he racks up the hits, triples, and stolen bases like few others. He wreaks havoc for opposing pitchers when he is on base. And he routinely robs hitters with his tremendous speed.

Per season, how many catches does he make, that let's say, Manny Ramirez wouldn't have gotten to? 20? 30? It's a stat that isn't recorded, but his team and the Ray's fans sure notice.

Plus, you have to love his hustle and great attitude.

[raysfan]

tuck: manny probably wouldn't have gotten to 40 or 50. i'm not a manny fan at all. not only does he look HGH-ripped, he's a slouch in the outfield, doesn't ever seem to give a hoot about hustling, wears his uniform like PJ's and won't cut that godawful nest of hair. there's probably a few baseballs in there.