Carl Crawford Could Price Himself Right to the Yankees

Rays outfielder Carl Crawford has terrorized the Red Sox on the base paths, swiping 54 bases in 127 career games against Boston. Could Crawford do his damage against the Red Sox in pinstripes next year?

According to NBCSports.com, the three-time All-Star could price himself out of Tampa Bay and into New York's outfield with a strong 2010 season.

The Rays have halted contract extension talks with last year's All-Star Game MVP until the end of the season, MLB.com reports. If the Rays struggle this year, the team may decide to trade the soon-to-be free agent before the July 31 deadline.

Crawford will earn $10 million this season and could soon earn a long-term contract worth $15-$18 million per season, NBCSports.com suggests. The Yankees can afford high-priced free agents, and they may see the 28-year-old outfielder as the team’s long-term replacement to Johnny Damon in left field.

Crawford has played his entire eight-year career with the Rays, and team officials can only hope the veteran outfielder will accept a hometown discount if they perform well this season.