Carl Crawford and Red Sox

ESPN online reports that Carl Crawford has made a seven year, $142 million deal with the Boston Red Sox.

It's ironic that Red Sox have been known to complain about the spending habits of the Yankees, but now Crawford will be the first player in Red Sox history with a contract with "an average annual value in excess of $20 million."

The Boston Globe online reports that Crawford was high in demand by various teams such as The Angels, Yankees and Rangers.

Red Sox Manager has called Crawford a game changer. The Globe also reports:

Crawford is Tampa Bay’s career leader in batting average (.296), doubles (211), triples (105), stolen bases (409), and runs scored (765). Crawford, who is from Houston, was Tampa Bay’s second-round pick in the 1999 draft. He had been with the organization his entire career. With Crawford in the fold, the Red Sox could trade Mike Cameron or use the righthanded hitter off the bench, as a spare outfielder, or as a designated hitter.

This deal has made many assume that the Yankees will soon be making a deal with lefthander CLiff Lee.