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2007 In trading for Crisp, the Sox appeared to get a younger, cheaper version of Johnny Damon. PECOTA saw it that way, projecting .295/.347/.445 (.276 EqA) for Crisp, compared to .290/.352/.423 (.274 EqA) for Damon. Legitimate comparison of the two players` 2006 campaigns was scuttled when Crisp broke a bone in his left index finger during the season`s opening week, and severe kidney stones prolonged his absence to seven weeks. His return was another data point in the annals of hitter drop-offs after hand injuries--despite putting the ball into play with about the same frequency, Crisp`s line-drive percentage dropped from 19.6 to 15.9, and the percentage of his fly balls that left the park dropped from 10.1 to 6.7. Late September X-rays showed that his fracture had regressed to where it was in mid-April, and Crisp underwent season-ending surgery. The perception that he was a disappointment in Boston, coupled with his cost certainty ($15.5 million over the next three years) ensured that his availability would be a hot topic over the winter, but the Sox should avoid the temptation to sell low because of one season derailed by a relatively random injury. 2006 One could argue that Covelli Loyce Crisp was rushed to the majors after being acquired from the Cardinals in the Chuck Finley deal, resulting in some harsh treatment in these pages. Crisp seems to have finally caught up to the league with his peak seasons still ahead of him. A career .299 hitter in the minors, Crisp has hit exactly that in the majors over the past two seasons. In 2005 he added twenty points of slugging, largely via doubles (he tied teammate Travis Hafner for fifth in the AL), and pushed his success rate on the bases past 70 percent. A better defender in left than he was in center, the Tribe can get away with Crisp hitting like a centerfielder in left if Grady Sizemore can hit like a corner outfielder while starting in center. 2005 Crisp had a decent year that looks a bit better than it actually was, adding power to his repertoire for the first time (his professional total in homers was 29). However, on the bases he was a hazard to himself and others. Kids: Friends don't let friends run the bases like Covelli Crisp. He's 39-for-62 in his career and should really be greeted with a permanent stop sign, if not flat out tackled by the coach as soon as he reaches first base. He showed surprisingly little instinct for center field and more aptitude for hitting lefties than righties, both of which should be clues as to how he might be better utilized in the future—rather than just knee-jerking him to center and to the top of the order because he's "speedy." 2003 Coco Crisp was the player to be named later in the Chuck Finley trade. The Indians see him as a leadoff hitter, and he’s certainly capable of swiping bases, and his season line in the Eastern League was .310/.372/.437, so he’s got the on-base skills as well. Looking over his minor league career though, he looks like another fourth outfielder in the making, and how many of those are floating around? If he develops some power and his defense improves, he’ll be interesting, but there are more guys like this floating around than potential planets in the Kuiper Belt. 2002 How can you not root for someone with that name? Crisp was tabbed the best hitting prospect in the Carolina League in 2001 by Baseball America, and he was the Cardinals' Minor League Player of the Year. He’s a natural left-handed hitter whom the Cardinals are teaching to switch-hit. Crisp has been noted for his confidence and aggressiveness. If he's going to make it to St. Louis as an outfielder, it's time to get it in gear immediately. For a 21-year-old, a .306 batting average in the Carolina League is good, not great.
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