They start on Friday with a big move, sliding Carl Crawford into the leadoff spot. Jacoby Ellsbury moves out of that spot and will bat eighth.
Crawford has a lot of experience in the top spot, as he's batted .288 with a .323 on-base percentage in 1,695 at-bats. However, he said he grew uncomfortable with the role.
"I just thought I [wasn't good] at it, to be honest with you," Crawford told the St. Petersburg Times in October. "Lou [Piniella] put me second. Maybe I could have gotten better at [batting leadoff], but I just wasn't comfortable. It didn't have anything to do with stats. I just don't think I'm a good leadoff hitter."
The Sox' lineup for the 2:05 p.m. start against the Yankees is below.
1. Carl Crawford, LF
2. Dustin Pedroia, 2B
3. Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
4. Kevin Youkilis, 3B
5. David Ortiz, DH
6. J.D. Drew, RF
7. Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
8. Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
9. Marco Scutaro, SS
