Ellsbury vs. Crisp: Who Should start for the Boston Red Sox?

It was the one lingering question throughout spring training this year for the defending World Series Champion Boston Red Sox. Who would roam centerfield? The two players vying for the spot in manager Terry Francona's lineup were rookie sensation and World Series star Jacoby Ellsbury and incumbent for much of the 2007 season Coco Crisp. Many people thought the decision was easy: Ellsbury had passed Crisp last season in September with his timely hitting, speed on the base paths, and stellar defense. Crisp, who probably should've won the Gold Glove last season with what seemed like a nightly highlight reel play, couldn't hit a lick last season forcing Francona to make a change in the playoffs. In 11 postseason games, Ellsbury batted .360 (9-for-25) with eight runs scored and a pair of stolen bases. In the four-game sweep of the Rockies in the World Series, Ellsbury went 7-for-16 with four doubles and combined with Dustin Pedroia to lead the Sox to a Game 3 win, as the duo at the top ... [link]