http://www.nesn.com/2011/09/carl-cr...says-hell-be-devastated-if-rays-win-wild.html
Carl Crawford Apologizes to Red Sox Fans for Season He's Had, Says He'll Be 'Devastated' If Rays Win Wild Card
by Ricky Doyle on Sun, Sep 18, 2011 at 9:37PM * *
When Carl Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract during the offseason, the Red Sox were expecting to get one of the game's most dynamic players. But the four-time All-Star has had a difficult season, which he felt warranted an apology.
Crawford has kept a diary all season for ESPN.com and in his latest entry, the Sox left fielder apologized for his lack of production this season.
"I want to end the diary saying something to the fans of Boston. I just want to say I'm sorry for the year I've had," Crawford said. "You guys have been really supportive and I appreciate that. Hopefully when we get into these playoffs, I can be the real Carl Crawford that I know I am. We'll see."
Crawford also discussed a number of other topics in the entry, including the Red Sox' recent struggles. He said he would be "devastated" if the Rays were able to complete a miracle comeback and win the American League wild card.
Not only is Tampa just two games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race, but Crawford played nine seasons with the Rays prior to this year. But despite earning four All-Star selections and becoming the face of the franchise, he said that he's heard boos and heckling from the Rays fans when returning to Tropicana Field as a member of the Red Sox.
"I struggled this year and I'll give them this year," he said. "But I am definitely, definitely going to remember all that has happened when I'm trying to work out and get better in the offseason, those haters will be on my mind -- just know they have another six years to deal with me."
The two teams don't play again this season, but if Crawford is able to come up big down the stretch in order to help the Sox hold off the Rays for the wild card, it would certainly go a long way toward silencing those skeptics -- no matter where they're located.
Carl Crawford Apologizes to Red Sox Fans for Season He's Had, Says He'll Be 'Devastated' If Rays Win Wild Card
by Ricky Doyle on Sun, Sep 18, 2011 at 9:37PM * *
When Carl Crawford signed a seven-year, $142 million contract during the offseason, the Red Sox were expecting to get one of the game's most dynamic players. But the four-time All-Star has had a difficult season, which he felt warranted an apology.
Crawford has kept a diary all season for ESPN.com and in his latest entry, the Sox left fielder apologized for his lack of production this season.
"I want to end the diary saying something to the fans of Boston. I just want to say I'm sorry for the year I've had," Crawford said. "You guys have been really supportive and I appreciate that. Hopefully when we get into these playoffs, I can be the real Carl Crawford that I know I am. We'll see."
Crawford also discussed a number of other topics in the entry, including the Red Sox' recent struggles. He said he would be "devastated" if the Rays were able to complete a miracle comeback and win the American League wild card.
Not only is Tampa just two games behind the Red Sox in the wild card race, but Crawford played nine seasons with the Rays prior to this year. But despite earning four All-Star selections and becoming the face of the franchise, he said that he's heard boos and heckling from the Rays fans when returning to Tropicana Field as a member of the Red Sox.
"I struggled this year and I'll give them this year," he said. "But I am definitely, definitely going to remember all that has happened when I'm trying to work out and get better in the offseason, those haters will be on my mind -- just know they have another six years to deal with me."
The two teams don't play again this season, but if Crawford is able to come up big down the stretch in order to help the Sox hold off the Rays for the wild card, it would certainly go a long way toward silencing those skeptics -- no matter where they're located.
