If you didn’t notice, the headline was a “Family Matters” reference.
Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Carl Crawford is frantically swiping bags at will. Through 30 games, Crawford leads the majors with 20 stolen bases. The 27-year-old was only successful 25 times out of 32 chances last year.
Last week against the Boston Red Sox, Crawford stole six bags in one game to tie the mark for most in a game. I’m sure Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek is still having night terrors. Crawford also picked up a steal in nine consecutive games from April 28 through May 5.
The seven-year veteran is known as the best base stealer in the game. Crawford has averaged 48 stolen bases since 2003. With his 2009 start, he has a legitimate chance to set a career-high in steals.
If Crawford continues his rampant pace, 100 steals is well within reach.
Luckily, I traded Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester for Crawford in a fantasy baseball league of mine two weeks before Crawford went bananas.