Evan Longoria/MLB Photo
According to a release by MLB on April 8, fans can visit MLB.com/FranchiseFour to select the four most impactful players for each franchise who best represent the history of each organization out of eight choices from its lineage. There is also a space for a write-in selection. Voting is live now until May 8.
The Ballot:
Carl Crawford (2002-2010)
Scott Kazmir (2004-2009)
Evan Longoria (2008-present)
Carlos Pena (2007-2010, 2012)
David Price (2008-2014)
James Shields (2006-2012)
Melvin Upton (2004, 2006-2012)
Ben Zobrist (2006-2014)
Shoestring Catches Recommendations:
Carl Crawford: A homegrown star for Tampa Bay. Carl Crawford is the all-time leader for the Rays in several categories including hits, doubles, triples and stolen bases. He was named the Most Valuable Player of the All-Star Game in 2009. A year later, Crawford won a Silver Slugger and a Gold Glove. He has also led the American League in stolen bases and triples four times.
Evan Longoria: The current face of the franchise, Evan Longoria is the all-time leader in homers and RBI for the Rays. Beginning his career as the 2008 American League Rookie of the Year, Longoria has worked his way to become a three-time all-star with a pair of Gold Gloves and a Silver Slugger Award. Perhaps his biggest moment came against the New York Yankees as the Rays earned a spot in the post-season on Sept. 28, 2011. Longoria blasted a walk-off homer in the 12th inning as the Rays won 8-7.
David Price: After the 2012 season, David Price became the only pitcher for the Rays to win the Cy Young Award after leading the American League with a 20-5 record and a 2.56 ERA. A four-time all-star, Price is second in Rays history in victories (82-47) and strikeouts (1,065).
James Shields: Known as “Big Game James” Shields, the righthander is at the top of the list in victories (87-73) and strikeouts (1,250). In 2008, Shields was the winning pitcher in second game of the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. One year later, Shields was on the American League All-Star Team.