27-year old lefty swinging Carl Crawford had one of his toughest seasons in 2008 because of injuries. The Rays will need him to come back healthy in 2009 if they are going to beat out the Yankees and Red Sox again in 2009. Crawford played in 109 games for the Rays last season and he was 121 for 443 (.273 avg, .719 OPS) with 69 runs scored, 8 homers, 57 RBIs and 25 stolen bases. In his previous five seasons before 2008 Crawford averaged 93.4 runs scored, 12 homers, 69.4 RBIs and 53.6 stolen bases. The Rays are hoping for that type of year out of Crawford in 2009. Crawford has the range of a center fielder because of his speed and he made 4 errors in 108 games in LF last season.

24-year old Matt Joyce and 33-year old Gabe Kapler would probably fill in for Crawford if he’s either injured or needs a day off. Joyce played in 60 games in LF last season for the Tigers and he showed good range while making 3 errors. Kapler played in 17 games in LF for the Brewers last season and he didn’t make any errors but showed poor range.

Starting DH Pat Burrell could also get some P.T. in left field for the Rays in 2009. He played in 155 games there for the Phillies last season and he only made 2 errors but showed poor range. He does have a excellent throwing arm as he nailed 12 baserunners trying to advance against him last season. 26-year old Justin Ruggiano played in 26 games in LF for the Rays last season and he didn’t make any errors while showing outstanding range. Too bad he’s not much of a hitter.

28-year old righty swinging Ray Sadler is also around for depth reasons. He will start the season in AAA-ball for the Rays but he could get a call from them at some point in 2009. Sadler played in 126 games in AA+AAA ball last season and he was 123 for 452 (.272 avg, .855 OPS) with 73 runs scored, 25 homers, 78 RBIs and 6 stolen bases.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: A