During the 2012 World Series, Jim Leyland watched from the Detroit dugout as Brandon Crawford's steady brilliance at shortstop snuffed out a succession of would-be Tigers rallies.
More than four years after Crawford's superb defense was a crucial factor in the Giants' sweep, Leyland will have the chance to manage him in the World Baseball Classic.
Crawford confirmed his intent to play for Team USA in a telephone conversation with Leyland earlier this week.
"I talked with him on the field during the playoffs [in 2014], and I expressed to him that he is -- without question -- one of my favorite players in the big leagues today," Leyland said.