It's something all American League East fans will be watching closely as the season goes on. Who will have the better 2006: Johnny Damon or Coco Crisp?
Their 2005 stats
Total BA:
Damon .316
Crisp .300
Times on Base:
Damon 252
Crisp 222
OBP:
Damon .366
Crisp .345
OPS:
Damon .805
Crisp .810
SB:
Damon 18
Crisp 15
Age:
Damon 32
Crisp 26
And then there's this...
2006 Salary:
Damon $13 million
Crisp $2.75 million
Damon is moving from Fenway, a hitter's park, to Yankee Stadium while Crisp is moving from a pitcher's park (Jacobs Field) to Fenway.
The numbers from last year certainly suggest that Damon's numbers are on the decline, though a change of scenery can always reignite players, so that will remain to be seen.
One thing that cannot be argued, however, is that Crisp is a huge defensive upgrade from Damon, who isn't known for his strong arm. Teams used to being able to run against the Red Sox and Damon will have to change their ways this season.