Carl Crawford for MVP?

A "blessing in disguise." That's what Carl Crawford labels his hamstring injury that forced career-lows in batting average and stolen bases last year.

Who would've thought that a hamstring injury would allow Carl Crawford to be in the thick of the American League Most Valuable Player race in 2009?

Crawford says the hamstring injury forced him to be more patient, as he's already reached his career-high in walks. It also forced him to hit the ball in better locations and become a combo power-speed player, instead of just speed.

But back to my point: Carl Crawford legitimately has a shot of winning the AL MVP award this year.

Let me just say that I think Justin Morneau is currently the frontrunner, but power hitters haven't stopped speed-power combo players before (refer to Pedroia-over-Morneau in 2008 and Rollins-over-Holliday in 2007).

Let's take a look at Crawford's projected numbers compared to Pedroia in 2008 and Rollins in 2007. They're similar numbers:

Player	R	H	HR	RBI	SB	BA	OBP
Rollins '07	139	212	30	94	41	.296	.344
Pedroia '08	118	213	17	83	20	.326	.376
Crawford (Pr) '09	107	202	18	78	77	.314	.372

But how can Carl Crawford be the MVP of the American League when he's not even the most valuable player on his team (cough...Evan Longoria...cough...Ben Zobrist)?

Well, those players might drive in the runs, but Crawford is the one who allows them to do so. He creates havoc on the basepaths with his speed, and no player in baseball gets inside pitchers' heads more.

Crawford ranks first in the American League in stolen bases, eighth in runs scored, and ninth in batting average. He's also second in multi-hit games. He gets on base a lot and is the real spark to a team that didn't have a productive leadoff hitter.

Crawford is also one of the best (and underrated) defensive players in the game. His glove is golden and his arm is tremendous.

Could this be the year that the Rays get their first MVP winner? If it's going to be anybody, it should be Carl Crawford.