Should Terry Francona play Jacoby Ellsbury instead of Coco Crisp?

Question

Everbody was talking about having Josh Beckett pitch on three days rest. I think Francona made the right decision. Beckett needed the rest.

But, he's got to replace Coco Crisp with Jacoby Ellsbury!!! We all know that Coco isn't going to suddenly start hitting in the next game.

Answer 1

I don't see how JD Drew has done all that much better than Coco Crisp. Crisp is a better outfielder than Drew and he hits well when he does hit (which he did decently during the season). I'd stick with Drew and Crisp and if I were to play Ellsbury I'd keep Crisp in the lineup.

Answer 2

I have watched almost every redsox game from spring training on and i don't see how anyone can say that coco crisp has done anything to keep his job. He is a defencive replacement. Ellsbury came up and continued to shine in the field and at the plate, including an increase of power from his minor league numbers. It was Ellsbury's play that sparked the late season resurgence that won the east for the RedSox and it kills me to see Crisp in the lineup. Francona is a great manager who is making a very stupid mistake.

Answer 3

They said that on TV last night. They said the Red Sox won't lose anything in the field with Ellsbury, either. If I were the Red Sox, what harm can it do at this point? Also - Beckett is having problems with his back - his back was stiffening up after the last game so they pulled him after 80 pitches because 1) they were way ahead score wise and 2) his back was getting stiff. The announcers said Beckett was asked by the media if he could have gone in Game 3 and he did not respond. So - that is a quesion mark as well. I am a Tribe fan but these are my thoughts on the matter, trying to be as objective as possible in answering your question.

Answer 4

I think it's the right move at this point. You would still have Crisp on the bench in case you need a fast pitch runner and Ellsbury play very good in the field. To the people that are raging on Drew. Look at the numbers. he's hitting about his season average so what do you expect. Crisp is really struggling

Answer 5

Coco Crisp should be replaced immediately. He cannot do anything to contribute on the offensive side. Crisp can't even hit a beach ball at this point. Horrible trade by Theo Epstein. Ellsbury should have taken his place about a month ago.

Answer 6

Well first of all, they should've kept Clay Bucholz on their playoff roster and start him for game 5.. and definetly, starting Jacoby Ellsburry wouldn't hurt and have Jon Lester pitch too if he had too. I'd take Ellsbury and Lester anyday over Coco Crisp and Dice K or Tim Wakefield

Answer 7

When Ellsbury was in the lineup, he provided a real spark, so yes, I would agree that this would have been a move worth going forward with.

Unfortunately, Francona has proven to maintain a stubborn faith in some of his players to a point in which it has hurt his ballclub, and this is one of those cases in which a change could have had benefits.

Answer 8

I think so....They should put him in for Coco. Coco isn't producing this postseason and Ellsbury could be a good lift for the team. Bobby Kielty should be in for JD Drew as well with CC pitching.

Answer 9

I totally agree with the answer above. Replace JD Drew with Ellsbury. I think this kid can light the fire that the Sox need right now. He's got a great bat and his speed is amazing!

Answer 10

Ellsbury has been hitting well this year but Crisp has much more experience and is a better defensive outfielder, I would stay with Crisp.