ESPN.com is reporting that Boston Red Sox centerfielder Coco Crisp will ask the team to trade him if he does not win the starting job. Crisp was a starter last year but struggled at the plate while rookie Jacoby Ellsbury came on late batting an .353 over 25 games and then became a post season star by batting .375 over the final 6 games after replacing a struggling Crisp.

Crisp’s name had also been mentioned several times in different trade rumors this offseason, most notably during the Red Sox’ failed negotiations with the Twins to land Johan Santana. Whether the trade rumors affected Crisp’s opinion of his situation in Boston or not, he made his position known in an interview today.

“He was hot and I was struggling at that time, so you got to put who’s hot and who’s doing the best out there offensively. So I understood it,” Crisp said of his benching during the playoffs. However,  “I would honestly rather be somewhere else and play than be on the bench,” he said. “But I’ll take whatever comes and deal with it and no knock against Boston. I love the fans. They treated me well.”

The Chicago Cubs and possibly even the Twins could be contenders for Crisp if the Sox do decide to move the outfielder but there is plenty more to come before this drama is finished.

If you enjoyed this post click here to receive all the latest rumors delivered daily via email.

Related Posts