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Get Young Houston-born Crawford Now Before St. Louis or Cincinnati Gets Him

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Yes. I agree totally that Lidge needs a change of scenery. The American League is the place for him. Only one player gets my attention to receive in return for a trade. That's Carl Crawford. He was born in Houston, he's 24 years old, and he's a proven outstanding baseball player. Tampa's greatest need is pitching. Tampa's greatest assets are outfielders. Who else would be expendable from Houston? Well, of course that depends on ownership point of view, now that Hirsh and Buchholz are gone. With Crawford in the fold, Lidge plus Pence(yikes!), Wandy, Albers(yikes again!), Lane(could use a change of scenery, too) become expendable for such a talented player as Crawford. I would not trade multiple players for just Crawford. Getting at least one prospect in return would be mandatory. As I see it, Crawford is going places soon, especially with the pitching needs of Tampa. If they really care about winning, they've got to do what everyone else does; trade good for good. What a great fit and future Crawford would have in a Houston uniform. He would be a mainstay in the outfield for years, as well as a great one or two batter, ahead of Berkman and Lee. Speed and basestealing, developing power, good outfield defense, has a great attitude about the game, and he seems to be a good influence around his teammates. Mr. McLane and Mr. Purpura, sirs, I am a 46 year charter member of The Houston Baseball Team Wins The World Series Club. I don't write the checks or have your kind of money. This trade makes sense to me, not later, but now, before he signs a multi-year contract, especially with one of our division rivals.

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