SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford gained attention and acclaim during the World Baseball Classic in the best way possible.
He played his usual game.
While helping the United States win the international tournament, Crawford announced his presence to a large segment of the baseball-viewing public that was unaware of his considerable skill. Multitudes of fans in the Central and Eastern time zones simply can't stay awake for Giants home night games. And many others simply might be unaware that the 30-year-old has won two Gold Glove Awards and a Silver Slugger trophy.
Now the secret's out. Crawford ranks among the most dynamic all-around performers in baseball, which he proved by batting .385 in eight Classic games while making every fielding play possible.

The increase in recognition for Crawford during the WBC '17 was almost palpable. It certainly seemed that way to catcher Buster Posey, who rejoined the Giants on Friday along with Crawford and closer Mark Melancon. "All of us know how good he is," Posey said. "I think a lot of guys on the [U.S.] team left with a different appreciation of him."
Some of baseball's biggest names took to social media to pay homage to Crawford. Tweeted Tampa Bay third baseman Evan Longoria, "Yessir! @bcraw35 showing that gold off at SS too!" Retired slugger Alexander Rodriguez -- who, by the way, was among Crawford's favorite players as a youth, wrote on Twitter, "@bcraw35 is showing why he's a 2X world champ." 

Crawford accepted the praise in typically calm fashion. "It's not like I sit there and think about it," he said, "but it is cool to see that."
Posey and Crawford easily switched their focus toward preparing for the National League season. "I'm ready for some Cactus League games," Posey crowed. Each went 1-for-3 in the Giants' 6-5 victory over Colorado. Posey doubled and scored a run; Crawford drove him in.

Posey and Crawford relished the WBC '17 experience enough to want to participate in it again. Both tried to keep the tourney in its proper perspective.
Borrowing the logic of the Rangers' Jonathan Lucroy, who shared catching duties on the U.S. team with Posey, Crawford compared the games to a combination of the All-Star Game and postseason -- with an emphasis on the former, which is essentially an exhibition.
"It's as big of games that you can get in March," Crawford said. "But it's still March."

Begging Posey to excuse the corniness, a reporter asked Posey how proud he felt to bring home a gold medal. Posey didn't hesitate to respond.
"I know it gets beaten into the ground, but there is a certain amount of pride when you have your country's name across your chest," he said. "It's an interesting vibe or feeling that you all get as Americans when you play together, and represent your country. A lot of us come from different parts of the country and come together to play a game we've all played since [we were] children.
"It's America's pastime."