You would think a thing like having the best record since All-Star break, and being in first place in the NL West would make Carl Crawford appreciate the now and quit dwelling on the past, but no, he’s not quite done bashing the Red Sox.
Call it fair, call it foul, but Carl Crawford is letting it out for the world to see. Now that he’s finally healthy and producing for his team, Crawford is reflecting on his time in Boston, in an interview with ESPN Los Angeles.
Sunday will mark the anniversary of the massive trade with Boston, which brought Crawford to the Dodgers. Crawford stated the following:
“That was one of the toughest times in my life, ever, from when I was a little kid, 1 year old,…It definitely was one of the best things that ever happened to me in my life to be traded over here.”
“You make $20 million, but it’s not like they’re begging me to hit a home run every time I go up there, you know what I’m saying? It’s not like I need to go 5-for-5 every at-bat and, if I don’t, I’m considered the worst player on the planet.”
One can understand Crawford’s frustration, from being judged for your every single at bat. No doubt the pressure took its toll on him.
But one also has to keep in mind it was Crawford who decided to go to the Red Sox–he was not traded there, he chose to go to Boston, knowing all too well the expectations that come with being a Red Sox. Any ribbing he took from the media and fans should’ve been something to consider before signing on the dotted line.
Crawford had awful stats in his 2011 season in Boston, hitting just 11 homers and a .255 batting average. Sure, the $142 million seven-year deal he inked that off season played a role in why he was so scrutinized, but to totally pass the blame? Hmmm
Crawford had been cautioned to hold his tongue when talking about his two seasons in Boston and further vented:
It [ticked] me off so much, the things I had said about me. I have the type of spirit that, if you say something to me, I’m going to say something back.”
Again, if his skin wasn’t tough enough why would he got to Boston in the first place? Doesn’t take a hardcore baseball scholar to understand the importance of baseball in the city and how serious it’s regarded.
Although Crawford willingly chose to play for the Red Sox is he still at least partially justified in speaking out about the too high unrealistic expectations in the market? Or is he just whining?