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Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
If Crawford returns on the team’s timetable, he’ll be back by late June or early July. That would leave him half a season to salvage 2012 before it becomes more lost than 2011.
“It’s tough,” he said. “You definitely want to be out there feeling good, swinging the bat well, feeling strong. I’m feeling the way I want to feel and then to have this setback is definitely disappointing. But it’s something you can’t control. It’s not like it was your fault. It just happens and you’ve got to live with it.”
History is littered with players who struggled through injuries or ineffectiveness around age 30 and then regained their All-Star form. Think Larry Walker, Darren Daulton, or closer to home, Carl Yastrzemski.
“That’s definitely how I’m thinking,” Crawford said. “I just feel like when I do come out of this, I’m going to be stronger and healthier than I’ve been in a long time. I don’t want to look back after that.”
Herald - LF Carl Crawford craves return to Sox lineup
At the very back of my mind I truly believe that when Crawford returns (whenever that may be) that he's going to be huge for the Red Sox. He's no Carl Pavano. He didn't sign that huge contract and then decide it was time to take it easy. He had been working as hard as ever to prove last season was a fluke before this setback. This injury is only going to fuel him more.
While having an All-Star caliber player like Crawford patrolling left would surely help the Sox, we have no reason to complain about his (and Ellsbury's) replacements.
I mocked Marlon Byrd's signing at the time, since he was coming to Boston with a .070 average after 43 at-bats in Chicago. Well, he's had 37 at-bats with Boston, and his average is a solid .297 during that span. Quite the turnaround, (even though he's only produced a single extra-base hit). While he leaves a bit to be desired at the plate, he's not an instant out and he's been solid in the field. For an emergency replacement, I'm pleased.
The Cody Ross - Ryan Sweeney duo has been one of the most pleasant surprises for the Sox as well. Sweeney is batting .361 after 21 games with 12 doubles and a triple. Ross is at .268 with 5 home runs and 18 RBIs (all better numbers than Gonzalez). Both have had their fair share of clutch hits this season, too.
While I'd love to see Crawford back in the lineup tonight, his return isn't nearly as pressing as it seemed back in March.
On Page 2, the worst is confirmed for Mo
Now we learn tonight that Rivera injured his right knee while trying to make a leaping catch in the outfield during batting practice in Kansas City. He has a torn ACL and is done for the season.
Plenty of people hate the Yankees, but Rivera has earned respect even in Boston. He transcends the rivalry in a way few have.
Rivera is one of the best people in baseball and is nearing the end of a remarkable career, having hinted in spring training that he planned to retire. He deserves to go out throwing that cutter, not on the disabled list.
Here's hoping we get to see to see him pitch again.
Globe - Torn ACL for Yankees' Rivera
I can't see Rivera going out like this. He'll be back. He has to.
Rest of the links:
Globe - Red Sox hit rock bottom with new CD | Red Sox sellout streak a real numbers game | Herald - Few holes in new O’s | WEEI - Cook promoted; Crawford on 60-day DL | Source: Iglesias headed to Pawtucket | Full circle at Fenway: The making of Will Middlebrooks | ESPN - Things looking up for Red Sox bullpen | SoxProspects: Best and worst of April
