The Red Sox have not started Jacoby Ellsbury every day for a few reasons. The first is that they have another starting center-fielder with a decent bat and an outstanding glove. Coco Crisp is not going to be on the Red Sox lineup after come August. But, in order for the Sox to get a good return for Crisp's value, which is better than most Sox fans would think, Crisp has to play. He is not driving up his value by sitting on the bench. Crisp knows that his days in Boston are numbered, and that if he is traded, it will likely not be temporary, and Crisp wants to land a long-term extension. Crisp, much like Manny Ramirez, seems to be playing with a little more intensity with the prospect of such a deal all but assured.
Another reason that Crisp is playing more may be to keep him at least marginally satisfied, because he is probably better than any other team's number four outfielder (the Tiger's Brandon Inge would give him the biggest compitetion). Red Sox fans saw how valuable Dave Roberts was to the 2004 World Series win, and Crisp is simply a better Dave Roberts. He is just as fast, a smart baserunner, a better center fielder and a better hitter who can do the little things like bunting and moving runners up. Crisp is also a switch hitter, which gives Terry Francona a great option off of the bench late in the game. Also, if the Sox have both Ellsbury and J.D. Drew as two of their starting outfielders, they are both left-handed batters, and when the opposing starter is a southpaw, it could create problems.
So Crisp has a lot of value, but Ellsbury's value is simply better. There are several teams, like San Diego for example, who are in need of some offense and a center fielder. But Crisp needs to play if the Sox hope to get a good deal from him because, as other teams will notice, the Sox would like to deal him away simply to give them an excuse to play Ellsbury more.
There is no question that Ellsbury's plusses outstripe Crisp's. The Sox are as astonishing 15-2 when Ellsbury scores a run. For those who follow my recaps after each Sox game, it was clear to see that the Sox offense was struggling, and getting shutout by guys like James Shields, at preciscly the same time that Ellsbury was out. The rest of the Sox lineup clearly feels the most comfortable when he is at the top of the list and they like the consistency that he brings. Before an 0-5 the other night, he had some incredibly statistic where for every game that he had had at least one at-bat, he reached base in 50 of 51 of those games, dating back from his debut last year. He is the first player the Sox have had in several decades who get get on base, and come around to score, without a hit having been recorded.
But for now at least, Red Sox fans will have to be little patient until the business side of the Sox issues are sorted out. (And for Sox fans, check out the recaps following all of the Sox's games and catch my Recap. To view all of the recaps, follow this link to my blog, where I keep all of the old ones.)
Keep the Faith.
As a dyed-in-the-wool Sox fan, I hope they keep Coco. We've already seen Ellsbury, Drew and Crisp miss games with injuries, and Lugo even had to play an inning or two in the OF. Championship-quality teams need 4 outfielders, in my opinion, just like it often takes more than 5 decent starters to get through a season. Having Manny at DH once in a while with both Coco and Ellsbury in the OF is another nice option that goes away if Crisp is traded. And what would the Sox get in a trade? More young pitching? We've got tons already. About the only obvious need is at catcher, but even back-up Cash is hitting .360. I fear that we wouldn't get fair value and therefore the team would be weaker following a trade. It seems the only real reason to make a trade is because someone's afraid that Crisp and/or Ellsbury will be unhappy not playing full-time, and that's just not a good enough rationale.
The Sox have a huge hole in their bullpen. Besides Okajima and Papelbon, there is nobody to rely on. I thought Delcarmen would take that next step this season, but he has been awful. Timlin is nearly done. Javier Lopez is absolutely dreadful. I don't know what Francona sees in this guy that he keeps bringing him in in key situations. Tavarez stinks. Who else do we have? Hansen hasn't shown anything either. Bryan Corey? David Aardsma? Who do you trust in a tight game?
Crisp needs to be traded, and preferably for relief help. If it is a young pitcher...so be it. You can NEVER have too much good or young pitching. Brandon Moss has shown to be a capable 4th outfielder, and I'm sure we still have Kielty bouncing around somewhere.
Ellsbury needs to play every day. He is a dynamic player. Good things happen when he is in the lineup and better things when he is on base.
It's not a question about keeping players happy..it's a question about who gives the team a better chance to win. That's ALL that matters.
Nice post, cgubata...IMO, Ellsbury is the kind of player that will steal 50 bases, score 120 runs and hit 20 dingers...He is too talented to split time with Crisp and I think Coco will be unhappy by midseason as he continues to lose playing time to Ellsbury...
It is brutal waiting for Tito to play the kid regularly,they did the same thing to Youkalis when Millar was floundering during the 2005 season.I understand what you are saying and what the Sox are doing but,it isn't fair for Ellsbury has proven and earned his opportunity.I wish they could package Lugo with Crisp for a real shortstop.Great post,you know your baseball . Hendo
Ellsbury has a bum leg right now, no reason to force it out there, and pull or tear it. There is no problem in having four good outfielders. Coco's worth isn't going to climb higher than it is right now. Wouldn't surprise me if was here come september, not a bad problem to have for a manager in th playoffs
