Crawford 'open' to staying with Rays

For most of his tenure with the Tampa Bay organization, Carl Crawford had every intention of exercising his right to become a free agent as soon as he was able to do so.

"How could you not?" Crawford said, citing the 100-loss seasons and general misery that prevailed for so long.

But last season changed a lot of perceptions, including Crawford's as he looks ahead to 2010. The Rays have a $10 million option on the three-time All-Star for next year that they almost certainly will exercise, but that represents the end of his current deal.

Crawford said Wednesday, though, that he would like to remain in Tampa Bay and anticipates talks about a long-term deal this winter.

"I'd be open to whatever they're open to," Crawford said. "They know that; it's not a secret. I just really hope something happens."

At the root of that desire is the reversal that led to the Rays' run to the World Series last year and Crawford's belief that the team will contend in 2010 and in the future. He freely admits this is a new development he couldn't have foreseen as recently as 2007, let alone before that, but he is now confident a corner truly has been turned.

"I don't think it'll ever go back to being as bad as it was," Crawford said. "I think that's impossible - that's like one of those things that comes once every blue moon. But I think the organization is definitely headed in the right direction and I'd like to be a part of that."

The Rays feel the same way about their most dynamic player and are expected to engage in discussions with Crawford's agent after the season, but executive vice president Andrew Friedman addressed the matter in only general terms Wednesday.

"We are very pleased to hear CC's comments," Friedman said. "Consistent with our policy, we do not speak publicly about contract negotiations but obviously we have a tremendous amount of respect for Carl both on and off the field. He has been a big part of our past success and I expect he will be a big part of our future success as well."

Manager Joe Maddon stays out of negotiations but noted that Crawford has been "the face of the organization for years," but arguably is having his best season in 2009.

Crawford has stolen 60 bases for the first time in his career, his on-base percentage is nearly 50 points higher than it was last season, and he ranked in the AL's top 10 in hits (182), multi-hit games (54) and triples (eight) entering Wednesday.

Many players in Crawford's position would be looking forward to heading into their "walk year" and doing all they can to maximize their appeal before hitting the open market. Crawford appreciates that point of view, but places a high value on security and comfort.

He would have those things here, and now he believes he'd have a chance to win, as well.

"I've never been in this position before, never been in this situation, so I don't know what to expect," he said. "I don't like worrying about it. You can sit there and say you're not worried about it, but to not know what your future's going to be in the next five or six years or so definitely makes you scared at times. ...

"I want to just be able to play - play baseball and don't worry about nothing else. I hope we can get something done, but if not, I'll just go into next season and do what I have to do and try to help the team win and go from there."