Carl Crawford, the $142-million bust with the Red Sox, has a fresh start with the LA Dodgers in 2014. However, he's still addressing his dismal, brief tenure in Boston.
"At the end of the day, it just wasn't the place for me."
He takes responsibility for his poor on-field performance during his Red Sox career, which ended abruptly, first with the Tommy John surgery that is still slowing him this spring, then with the trade to the Dodgers that finally sent him to Southern California.
He should already have been there, should have been anywhere but Boston. But he took the money and went to Boston, into the hands of the media he now blames for making him miserable.
"That smile turned upside down quick," Crawford said. "I think they want to see that in Boston. They love it when you're miserable.
"Burying people in the media, they think that makes a person play better. That media was the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life."
Wow. This will certainly be making the rounds at local Dunkie's and bars. Hell, I'm actually considering running out now to grab a PBR just to get a first glimpse at the chaos that will ensue from fans.
I understand what Crawford is trying to say...I think. But he phrased it the COMPLETELY wrong way.
I honestly think Crawford is trying to express that the Boston media simply likes to run with negative and controversial stories, thus stirring up the fan base. Right? But how is that different from any other major sports market? I just can't imagine he honestly thinks that, so I'm trying to piece it together.
Obviously, no one in Boston enjoys seeing a player be "miserable". Professional athletes are humans too, and I'm certain that Boston understands that element.
But if Crawford seriously believes what he says, he's flat out delusion. We don't "love it when you're miserable", Carl. We love winners; a trait you lacked playing this city.
