If the Red Sox elect to end Carl Crawford's season and send him for Tommy John surgery it would be a sign that the franchise is already looking ahead to 2013.
Carl Crawford has played through injuries, but it might be better for his career and the team's future if he were shutdown for the season. Throughout this disappointing season, the Boston Red Sox and manager Bobby Valentine have maintained that the wild card is within reach, that the team might still pull a winning streak out of its magic hat and reach the playoffs.
If Carl Crawford undergoes Tommy John surgery Tuesday as is being reported, it would signal a change in Boston's mentality. It would mark that even those within the organization are beginning to alter goals as the season draws to an end. It would mark that the Red Sox are moving forward with an eye toward the future rather than one toward the pennant race.
The best reason for Crawford to have surgery now is to ensure his long-term health. Crawford clearly can play with the damaged elbow--since Aug. 1 he's hitting .306 with two home runs, two stolen bases and 15 RBI--but every day he is active in 2012 increases the chances he will have to miss time in 2013 while recovering from surgery.
David Ortiz echoed that sentiment after Sunday night's loss to the New York Yankees.
"It's not good, but you've got to do what you've got to do to be ready for next year...
Nobody gets a Tommy John for fun. It's a tough process," said Ortiz.
Red Sox fans who were frustrated with Crawford's subpar play in 2011 would be hard-pressed now to criticize a player who has played well through legitimate injury. Sidelining Crawford now, while he's playing so well, would be an admission that future seasons are more important than this one.
Recovery from Tommy John surgery normally takes 12 months, but can take less time for position players. If a decision is made to go forward with surgery it will end Crawford's 2012 season and maybe impact parts of next year.
Despite what surgery would mean, the Red Sox should exercise care in protecting their $142 million asset.
The club should be careful with Crawford's health, even if it means providing a very obvious sign that upper management considers this season a lost cause. The outfielder is a long-term investment--with hope fading now, the Red Sox need Crawford healthy for as much of the 2013 season as possible.