The Red Sox will have Carl Crawford back in the lineup Monday night as they take on the Chicago White Sox in the first of a four-game set. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. EST with broadcasts on NESN and WEEI.
Once again the Sox have had to move a producing outfielder to the bench in order to welcome back a starter returning from the disabled list. Unlike Ellsbury, however, Crawford does not have that MVP season from 2011 to convince fans that he's the better choice--especially given Nava's strong season to date and resurgent day at the plate Sunday, when he reached base three times, including once on a homer.
What Crawford does have is a long history of success before 2011, and thus plenty to hope for. While it's hard to remember, before he came to Fenway Carl had put together a couple of very strong seasons in Tampa Bay. And if they can get that Crawford, they'll find themselves a surprisingly strong team--one with one less albatross to worry about heading forward.
Boston Red Sox (45-44)
- Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
- Carl Crawford, LF
- David Ortiz, DH
- Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
- Cody Ross, RF
- Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
- Will Middlebrooks, 3B
- Mike Aviles, SS
- Pedro Ciriaco, 2B
Chicago White Sox (49-39)
- Alejandro De Aza, CF
- Kevin Youkilis, 3B
- Adam Dunn, DH
- Paul Konerko, 1B
- Alex Rios, RF
- A.J. Pierzynski, C
- Dayan Viciedo, LF
- Alexei Ramirez, SS
- Gordon Beckham, 2B
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