Trio putting up numbers away from Boston

Edgar, Hanley and Nomar are tearing it up. It's a wonderful year to be a former Boston Red Sox shortstop, writes Jerry Crasnick.

Originally Published: May 18, 2006
By Jerry Crasnick | ESPN.com
Johnny Pesky, bless his 86-year-old heart, suffered a broken leg in a batting practice mishap in Florida in March and was wearing a cast on Opening Day. Notwithstanding that unfortunate and painful event, it's a wonderful year to be a former Boston Red Sox shortstop.

The National League batting race is a good place to begin. Atlanta's Edgar Renteria ranks sixth at .336, and Florida's Hanley Ramirez is eighth at .331. The Dodgers' Nomar Garciaparra, now playing first base, doesn't have the requisite at-bats to qualify. But he's coming on strong after sharing the Player of the Week award with St. Louis' Albert Pujols.

"He has excellent bat speed, good plate coverage, good balance and he looks confident. If he can stay healthy -- which has been the problem -- I don't think there's any reason why he can't be one of the top 10-15 hitters in the league."
-- A scout on Nomar Garciaparra
If the Red Sox had a chance to reconsider trading any of the three aforementioned players, it's doubtful they would do things differently. Boston sent Renteria to Atlanta in December for prospect Andy Marte, then spun Marte to Cleveland for Coco Crisp, who's likely to be the franchise's center fielder for years to come.

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Jerry Crasnick | email

ESPN.com MLB Sr. Writer
  • ESPN.com senior writer
  • Author of "License to Deal"
  • Former Denver Post national baseball writer

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