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.
Carl Crawford didn't collect any hits Tuesday. Nor did he steal any bases or work any walks. He didn't contribute any spectacular catches, or even score a run.
And yet, without any of these things, he managed to dominate the news -- both before the Red Sox' 2-1 victory over the Texas Rangers and afterward.
Tuesday afternoon, eyebrows were raised when the Red Sox lineup card was posted in the visitor's clubhouse and Crawford's name was listed seventh.
This seemed an odd decision, since Crawford had hit second in all seven of the games he had played in the last week or so, while noting, in interview after interview, how comfortable he was to be back at the top of the lineup.
CSNNE: Sox still don't know what to do with Crawford
This isn't even the most frustrating part with the Crawford situation. That in a close game, he's being replaced by Daniel Nava in the outfield. If they're worried about him blowing out his elbow or that his weakened arm will cost them a game, then why put him in the outfield to begin with?! David Ortiz is still on the DL yet Pedro Ciriaco & Daniel Nava has been the DH?
This isn't nowhere near the mismanagement of Daniel Bard but it's approaching it. At least Bard isn't getting paid $20 million this year. If the team is going to continue to use him for 2/3 of the game and hit him in the bottom ofthe order, it's not worth Crawford blowing out his elbow. At this point, the Sox have now wasted the first two years of the deal and they might as well accept that & let Crawford get the surgery so he can be ready next Spring.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Red Sox feel the squeeze | Beckett, Lester not helping | Atichson hopes to be activated by Monday | Herald: Wild pitch by Beckett leads Rangers to win | Beckett shows his class | Bailey slowly closes in on return | CSNNE: Beckett self destructs | Sox playing the waiting game as trade deadline approaches | Sox still don't know what to do with Crawford | WEEI: Sox in a box | Wild pitch does in Beckett | Crawford back in seventh spot |
