Pirates division rival Cardinals add Brandon Crawford, bringing back bad memories

In a move that may not shake the foundation of the baseball world as it would have a decade ago, the St. Louis Cardinals have made a late addition to their roster, signing veteran shortstop Brandon Crawford. While this may not be a huge deal in terms of adding to their lineup, he does signify a player who was a part of one of the toughest moments in recent Pirates history. While Crawford's star may have faded slightly, his name still commands respect in the league, especially considering his storied career with the San Francisco Giants, which included multiple World Series victories.

Ten years ago, the mere mention of Crawford switching teams would have sent shockwaves throughout baseball. He was a linchpin for the Giants, known for his slick defensive plays and timely hits. His presence was felt most notably during the Giants' championship runs, where he played a pivotal role in securing victories for San Francisco during playoff times. His batting average is at just .238 for post-season play and he has only hit 2 home runs. So overall, his impact on the Gitants was more on the other side of the ball

Fast forward to today, and Crawford's signing with the Cardinals may not elicit the same level of fanfare, but it's undoubtedly a significant move for both player and team. At 36, Crawford brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the Cardinals' clubhouse and is a thorn in the side of the Pittsburgh Pirates and their fans. The Cardinals are already a division rival and now they are adding a recognizable player who a lot of fans of the Pittsburgh Pirates have bad memories of. Going back to 2014 of course: