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June 5, 2008
BY STEVEN KRASNER
Journal Sports Writer
BOSTON -- Coco Crisp is in the starting lineup, but that could change depending on how well his bruised left thumb feels when he takes batting practice.
Crisp suffered the bruise sliding head-first into second base on a successful stolen-base attempt in the sixth inning of Wednesday night's game against the Rays. Crisp accused Tampa Bay shortstop Jason Bartlett of a "shady" play, dropping his knee in front of the bag as Crisp slid in, causing the Sox center fielder to mash his thumb against Bartlett's leg.
That incident led to an incident in the eighth inning in which Crisp slid hard into second baseman Akinori Iwamura on an unsuccessful stolen-base attempt, leading to a shouting match between Rays manager Joe Maddon (from the mound) and Crisp (in the Sox dugout) as a pitching change was made during the bottom of the eighth.
Maddon claimed Crisp's slide was made with an intent to injure. Crisp said he was sending a message, though it was intended for Bartlett.
Boston manager Terry Francona declined to offer any second-day comments about the issue.
"Joe looked aggravated. Coco looked aggravated. I went to the bathroom. We'll move on and try to win tonight's game. It wasn't that big of a deal. I don't have much to say about it."
Posted by Steven Krasner 
at 3:25 PM | Permalink
