Red Sox manager Terry Francona has confirmed reports that Coco Crisp will undergo surgery on his left index finger Monday, which will effectively end his season much as it began. Crisp has a a bone fracture that will require a pin or a screw to be inserted. The speedy center fielder originally injured the finger while stealing third base in April. That resulted in Crisp going on the DL after just five games in a Sox uniform, and limiting him to only 105 games this season.
The question is, will we ever see him in a Sox uniform again?
According to the Rocky Mountain News, the Red Sox are determined to find a way to acquire center fielder Andruw Jones from Atlanta, but first must find a way to unload the disappointing Crisp. Much was expected, perhaps unrealistically, of the Sox new leadoff hitter, but he finishes the season with a .264 average, a .317 OBP, 58 runs, 8 home runs, and 36 RBIs in 105 games. His .293 on-base average is the lowest among American League leadoff men.
Despite that, the Denver post says that Crisp is just the type of player that Rockies GM Dan O'Dowd would like to have patrolling center field next season. Crisp’s current deal has three years remaining, at a grand total of $15.5 million (plus an $8 million club option for 2010). At that price, there could be a number of potential suitors.
Another possibility is that the Sox will pursue Twins center fielder Torii Hunter, the former teammate and friend of David Ortiz. Big Papi may back such a move for the five-time Gold Glove winner, which might be an easy sell after Hunter's potent offensive production this season. The 31-year-old Hunter is hitting .276 ( eight points above his carer average), with a .337 OBP, 28 homers and 90 RBI. If the Twins decide not to pick up the $12 million option on Hunter's contract, or buy him out for $2.5 million, the Sox may pounce.
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