By Blair Lovern
April 10, 2002

Carl Crawford Photo: Jim McLean

You can feel the love around the Durham Bulls batting cage this year.

New hitting coach Richie Hebner's attitude is infectious. If he's not pulling aside players to talk shop, he's flashing them a big smile, slapping them on the back and rounding things up with a big bear hug.

Recently, Devil Rays outfield prospect Carl Crawford got a dose of all the above, before heading down the steps to the batting cage near the clubhouse for extra work.

At 20, Crawford is making headway through the Tampa Bay system. One of the organization's fastest players, Crawford has also been one of its quickest risers since being drafted in 1999. But there's still work to do.

Known especially for his speed, Crawford said he knows his bat must also carry him past Triple-A.

"Speed is one thing but I can also hit also," he said. "I'm working on hitting more and I'm pretty sure my bat is going to take me to the major leagues."

In 2000 he stole 55 bases with Class A Charleston, SC. He skipped a level last year and stole 36 for Double-A Orlando.

He is perhaps the fastest player in the Devil Rays' system and in organized baseball, Devil Rays general manager Chuck LaMar said.

"He's got great foot speed--game-changing foot speed--and he can use it offensively and defensively," LaMar said. "Again, the sky's the limit if he continues to work hard."

Crawford is working to improve his power at the plate. He hasn't reached his potential there yet, but he's added about 20 pounds in the past year to help drive the ball more. He's listed as 6-foot-2, 219 pounds this season.

Crawford hit .274-4-51 last year, .301-6-57 the year before as he led the South Atlantic League in hits.

"We think he's going to have good power," LaMar said. "His minor league numbers will not indicate that. Right now everyone talks about his speed and what kind of athlete he is. But we think he's going to hit home runs at the major league level."

His athleticism is unquestionable, as Crawford could have been playing quarterback for Nebraska or point guard at UCLA at this point. Both schools offered him scholarships. At Jefferson Davis High School in Houston, Crawford earned all-district, all-greater Houston and all-state academic honors. In one game he passed for 156 yards and ran for 196. Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas A&M, TCU and Baylor also recruited him.

During high school Crawford said he "liked the style of offense at Nebraska. I love to run the option. I wanted to play for a great team and have the chance at a national championship."

He missed out on that this past season. Then again, he's on the verge of making the big leagues.

"I want to develop every base of my game, as far as stealing bases, hitting, being a better fielder," Crawford said. "They want me to be a respectable young man and player. I don't think it's any different from any other organization. As long as you do well, you'll stay in the major leagues."

LaMar said Crawford's arm is the reason why he'll play left field instead of center or right. But said he's been impressed with Crawford's numbers the past three seasons. He was one of the youngest players in Double-A last year.

"He's an outstanding athlete with fine baseball instincts--wants to be a major leaguer, will be a major leaguer," LaMar said. "But just like any young player in any system consistency is the name of the game and that's what separates those who play in the major leagues and those who don't. He has become more consistent in his overall game, offensively and defensively."

Last year Crawford was one of the best hitters in the Arizona Fall League (.386-0-3), before joining Team USA for the World Cup in Taiwan in November.

"I don't think there's any question in anyone's mind that he was one of the best prospects in the Arizona Fall League," LaMar said. "And he's come into major league camp and is ready to make the jump (to Triple-A). It's a big one for someone his age, but we think he's ready."

If it takes enduring a few bear hugs to move up one more level, so be it.