Dodgers introduce Carl Crawford to LA

Carl Crawford / By Tri Le

Los Angeles -- New Dodger Carl Crawford was formally introduced to the media Friday at Dodger Stadium, where he donned a crisp white Dodgers home jersey bearing his name and the number 25.  Presented by Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti, a cheerful Crawford said it "feels good" upon wearing the iconic LA-emblazoned baseball cap.

Due $102.5 million over the next five seasons, Crawford will also be donning a lot of expectations from a town long deprived of a baseball championship, and from a fan base still recovering from the hope-draining era of the previous franchise owner.

Crawford was one of four Boston Red Sox players the new Dodgers ownership acquired in a blockbuster quarter billion dollar trade in August, and the only one yet to take the field at Chavez Ravine.  Two days prior to the trade, Crawford underwent Tommy John surgery in a procedure that replaced the torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left arm and ended his season.

Crawford felt he should have had the surgery to repair his throwing arm as soon has his doctor recommended it, but decided to “push it” a little longer to “prove” himself so as to not appear “soft” following his signing of a $142 million contract in Boston and his subsequent wrist surgery on the same arm.

Carl Crawford / By Tri Le

Of his time in Boston, Crawford remarked, “I had a lot of injuries that set me back a little bit and didn’t let me do some of the things I do well.”

Crawford indeed missed 89 games with the Red Sox due to injuries and posted career-low numbers following his successful tenure with the Tampa Bay Rays.  He said he currently has not been taking batting practice with the Dodgers, as he will be unable to throw a ball or swing a bat until January.

Crawford mentioned that it was good to have trade mates Adrian Gonzalez and Josh Beckett with him here.  He also said that he has known Dodgers star right fielder Andre Ethier “for a while,” and that he has been communicating regularly with All-Star center fielder Matt Kemp.

If Crawford can regain the numbers he put up with the Rays, he can be a crucial offensive addition to a lineup already featuring Kemp, Ethier, and Gonzalez.  Dodgers fans are hoping that healed injuries, a supportive dugout, revitalized team owners, and Crawford's desire to prove himself, will ultimately be the formula for his greater success in Los Angeles.

By Tri Le
Photography Editor and Contributing Writer for The Daily Sports Herald