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.
Crawford is self-conscious. Always has been. And neither four All-Star Game appearances nor the security of a seven-year, $142 million contract from the Red Sox [team stats] has changed him.
Crawford cared what Baseball America thought of him in 2001, and he cares what you think of him now. Maybe a little too much.
That’s why, even with the pain worsening from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left elbow, Crawford was reluctant to request permission from the Red Sox to undergo season-ending Tommy John surgery, which he has long maintained that noted orthopedic surgeon James Andrews told him in April that he eventually would require.
Already labeled a disappointment — or worse, a bust — after admittedly underperforming last season in the first year of that mega-contract, the last thing the left fielder wanted was to be perceived as having quit on the Red Sox while they still had even the faintest pulse in the wild card race, according to multiple sources close to Crawford.
“Knowing Carl, man, I could see him sitting up numerous nights before he even made that decision,” Los Angeles Angels right fielder Torii Hunter said before last night’s game at Fenway Park. “He sat up for a while just trying to make that decision because he’s such a competitor, and not to be on the field for the next year or so, it’s definitely upsetting to him.”
Crawford, who hasn’t given interviews since Friday, will have surgery tomorrow, with Andrews performing the procedure, but only after a Monday meeting in which the Red Sox were careful to point out that the final decision was made by head athletic trainer Rick Jameyson and team orthopedist Peter Asnis.
Herald: Crawford a sensitive subject
You can't blame Crawford for caring what people think about him. I know if I was a baseball player, I would be doing Google searches daily seeing what people say about me. That's why it's so surprising how people like Josh Beckett can completely ignore all of the hate that is thrown his way.
Crawford has been disappointing but he's also been mismanaged by managers & the medical staff. If he had gone under the knife for Tommy John surgery before coming back to the majors, everyone would be disappointed again but surely can understand. It's not like he has back spasms, he's missing a UCL.
It shows a lot about who Crawford is as a player to suck it up and try and give it his all. He was given a chance to hit in the #2 spot and we've seen glimpses of greatness with him & Jacoby Ellsbury on the top of the order. But despite his effort, the team continues to spiral out of contention and if the plan was to get surgery in the offseason, why not take care of it now and prepare for 2013?
So we've seen the potential of what Crawford can bring to the table but he just needs to get healthy. With the way this season is going, it's doubtful that people are screaming that Crawford should just postpone it. Thanks for the effort Carl but you made the right decision. Hopefully we'll see you ready for Spring Training.
Rest of the Links: Globe:Cook struggles in loss | Niemann takes over for McClure | Sox honor Pesky | Herald: Niemann era off to familiar start as Sox lose | 2012 Sox go against all Pesky stood for | Valentine explains firing | Crawford a sensitive subject | Cook out of sink in loss | CSNNE: Moving on | Cook struggles with Red Sox while Matsuzaka rolls in Pawtucket | Holy smokes; Angels beat Sox, 5-3 | WEEI: History repeating? | Niemann on rotation: 'We're better than that' | As Doubront, Matsuzaka near return, Aaron Cook may lose spot |
