Enough already. This platoon thing in centerfield is getting interesting. What is management's angle for playing Crisp so much over the first two weeks of the year? Smart money is on the fact that he was injuried during spring training so other teams (the Cubs in particular) could not get a good look at him. So now the Sox are playing him to showcase his abilities. This I get. However, there is the smell of Jay Payton here.
Crisp has hinted that he has no interest in being a part time player. Management may be having some uneasy flashbacks to Payton literally walking away from the team after not accepting a reserve role. While Theo and the boys tried to get something in return, Jay-bird flew the coop. The Sox were forced to place him on waivers and got nothing for him. I'm sure Theo wants to get something in return for a very good defensive centerfielder with a very affordable contract. But I cannot approve of catering to an athlete that "threatens" to ruin a happy family if he does not play.
In the meantime, the most exciting player they Sox have had to come through their system since Hanley Rameriz plays sparingly. One could only hope this does not slow his progression into being a stud. Here's a vote for the present and future centerfielder to get his time now and for the next ten years.
6 comments:
What would you have the Red Sox do regarding Crisp and Jacoby?
I would give Ellsbury, who is clearly the better overall player, more of the time. I understand showcasing Crisp but it may retard the progress of someone that can help the team in more ways. Ellsbury needs experience and playing full time is the best way of gaining experience.
Josh ... what's your suggestion?
If we weren't playing the Yankees right now I'd give Papi a few days off. This slump is taxing the big guy mentally. I'd DH Manny, start Crisp, Ellsbury and Drew in the OF. But that's a bit unrealistic with the Yanks in town. Let's see how Ortiz is after the weekend. Otherwise, continue to platoon, but for no more than a few weeks. If you don't have any serious takers on Crisp, then you start Ellsbury, Crisp to the bench. I understand the need for harmony in the club house, but this is something Crisp will have to deal with until the Sox can trade him. Ellsbury will be alright in the meantime.
Josh ... Sitting Papi is for another blog ... my worries concerning platooning stem from a serious fear that the wild card will not come put of the East this year. Angels, Tigers, Indians ... oh my! I know it is a long season but games in April count! We'll see. By the way, Elssbury looked good today.
Nick Carfado just wrote an article in the Boston Globe about this. check it out :
http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2008/04/13/time_to_unleash_ellsbury/
Good article. But like I said, with Papi slumping, right now is a good time to start both. Although, I am a little surprised they benched Papi vs. the Yanks. Sure, it's temporary. Papi will soon be back to his old self. Nonetheless, I think it's wise to platoon, for at least the next two weeks. If in the that time you can't trade Crisp, demote him to a back up role. Crisp deserves at least that much. The other elements are; Crisp is batting around .300 vs. Ellsbury's .250. Crisp can hit from both sides, Ellsbury is struggling with anything on the inner half of the plate. In the end, I think we both agree
Ellsbury needs to be the everyday guy, but a little patience won't hurt. Plus, there is nothing wrong with some internal competition. Keeps everybody sharp.
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