Coco vs Ellsbury: The Center Fielders of Attention

Like the rest of Red Sox Nation, I really like what I saw in Jacoby Ellsbury's play last season and think he's the one to roam Fenway's center stage in 2008. But was it enough to turn Coco Crisp into Coco Crust?  I'm not sure about that yet.  Jacoby's a speedster with pretty good defensive skills, a so so arm, and an exciting bat, but did we see enough to anoint him to your everyday center fielder?

I know Coco Crisp has something to say about that and he's been saying it.  "I don't want to sit on the bench, I could cheerlead with the best of them, but that's not where I want to be."  Coco knows his situation and I think it's safe to say that he's going to battle his butt off this spring to make Terry's decision a tough one. 

Coco had a terrible offensive year last year to say the least.  But he did make more great plays than I've seen in all the years Johnny Damon patrolled the area.  As far as hitting, well...you know the rest.

Like Jacoby, Coco's got great speed and great defensive skills. But he has a weaker ARM than any mortgage company around, and a bat that I'm not sure about yet.  After leaving Cleveland, Indian scouts claimed that no one could get a fastball by Coco. That certainly hasn't been the case here.  I don't know if it's a result of the finger injury he suffered two years ago or not, but he had a better chance of getting around in a Boston Cab the last two years then he did on 90 mph fastballs.

Jacoby hit a robust .353 in his limited time with the big club and had some huge hits in the world series, batting .438.  Coco hit .268 in the regular season and I think Weird Al  Yankovic had more hits than Coco did in the playoffs. It looks like a slam dunk case.  The 24-year old Jacoby, who dazzled in his partial rookie campaign, versus the 28-year old Coco who fizzled in his sophomore season with the Sox.  So why is it that I think the skipper isn't quite sure who will be his first mate?

We all know that Francona is very loyal to his players, even if they go through the worst of times.  Obviously, Pedroia comes to mind.  JD drew and his grounders to second is still in my mind. And Julio Lugo.....never mind.  But what about Coco?  Does he still own the job?  Does Jacoby have to win the job?  Whatever the case, I think spring training is going to be very competitive. The two of them will be grinding out every at bat and busting their tails in between. The job might be up in the air.

Even if Coco turned it up a notch for Francona, I still think it's Jacoby's job to lose.  Although we just saw a sampling of Ellsbury, he seems to just make things happen. Once the guy hits first base, it's practically a run.  He might be the first guy ever to score from first on a walk.  

Aside from his speed, he also has the ability to wear out both foul lines for walk in doubles, maybe triples.  And even in difficult at bats, he has a knack for fighting off tough pitches for soft base hits. The only major weakness  I see in Jacoby's bat, is that good, hard, up and in fastballs often overpower or tie him up.   But to Jacoby's credit, shattered bat and all, I do remember a few times when he still managed to muscle some balls into left field, just out of the reach of the shortstop. He can beat you in many ways and there's nothing better than a fast, young player,  who knows how to jump start  an offense with energy and excitement. That's what separates Jacoby from Coco.  Jacoby's a difference maker.

Coco on the other hand, could puff and puff and never get the spark that he needed, or the team needed, when it came to his at bats. I know he will continue to dive all over the place, making spectacular grabs,  and burn around the bases at full throttle, but until his bat comes out of the cellar, Jacoby will be the leader of the pack, and Coco will be the cheerleader in the back!