BOSTON, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Cleveland outfielder Coco Crisp has been dealt to Boston, where he'll play centerfield in place of Johnny Damon, who signed as a free agent with the Yankees.
Crisp, who was a fan favorite with the Indians, likely will be Boston's leadoff hitter. In 2005, he batted .300 with 16 home runs, 69 RBI and 15 stolen bases. In his four major league seasons, Crisp has a .287 batting average, 35 homers, 176 RBI and 54 steals.
"The question and the unknown on him is going to be how much more power he's got," said Cleveland General Manager Mark Shapiro. "Last year, he was very bad against left-handed pitching. Very bad."
The Red Sox also got catcher Josh Bard and reliever David Riske in exchange for third baseman Andy Marte, reliever Guillermo Mota, catcher Kelly Shoppach, cash and a player to be named later or more money.
The Indians also traded reliever Arthur Rhodes to Philadelphia for outfielder Jason Michaels.
