Crawford vs Francona?

[SoxSport]

One of the MLB.com announcers tonight made note of the fact Crawford was batting 7th tonite, with Aviles batting 2nd. Questioning Francona's judgement.

 

Tito started the season batting Crawford 2nd behind Ellsbury. We all know Tito's preference for alternating R-L batters in the lineup. Crawford also started the season slowly--with the rest of the team.

 

He was soon dropped to 6th in the batting order, and that has never changed despite some periods where he hit pretty well. Sure, Pedey is an excellent no.2 hitter, but would Crawford's speed be better utilized in the 2-hole? One announcer noted that Crawford has stolen just one base in his last 27 games.

 

I get the impression Crawford is not happy. Not happy with his own performance, but maybe also not happy with the way Francona has used him--buried in the 6-hole on a team that does not stress speed. I suspect he was not happy about being benched the other night for that lefty pitcher--a bit ridiculous benching a $20 million dollar player which was noted here and in the media. He missed the next doubleheader with a "stiff neck", which promptly became unstiffed in just one day.

 

Houston--I think we have a problem. Now, who do you think will survive a conflict between a so-so manager and a $20 million dollar star committed to a long term contract? Epstein must have had some good reasons for signing Crawford.

 

Sayonara, Tito.

[boston22407]

You love making threads

[Palodios]

Can one of the mods close this please?

[SoxFanForsyth]

In terms of things I'm concerned about right now, this is buried under "What happened to my roller blades from 5th grade?"

[Spudboy]

Kids.

[starwarsgeekperson]

I think He would have, but Batting Crawford 2nd would have put four lefties in a row.

[example1]

Crawford has an OBP hovering just above .300 for the last few months. He can complain all he wants, but if he's not getting on base he doesn't deserve to bat very often.

 

Hopefully he's turning it around.

[v2freak]

I agree. It may suck for him to bat in the 6th spot but he hasn't shown to be deserving of a spot higher than that.

[SoxSport]

Crawford batting 2nd today. Looks like Tito blinked. Money talks.

[boston22407]

Not at all