What makes his season-opening slump so notable rests largely in his price tag. If most of the other left fielders in the American League East were being paid over $20 million, they might be targets as well, for several of them are struggling just as much, if not more.
For whatever reason, or just by coincidence, left field has emerged as a black hole in the division with most of the group getting little production from that position. The exception is Tampa Bay, but the emergence of Sam Fuld came in large part because of one of the stranger retirements we've seen in some time. Crawford may be the best paid and the one with the highest profile, but he is not alone in his run of futility.
In last week's look at one item tying together each of Boston's divisional opponents, we analyzed the most significant issue facing each squad. This week, here's a quick glance at those struggling left fielders, and what it means to them and their respective teams.
Orioles
Luke Scott's Transition to Everyday Left Fielder Yielding Little Production
Yankees
Slumping Brett Gardner Gives High-Powered Yankees a Hole in Bottom of Lineup
Rays
Sam Fuld the Unlikely Choice as AL East's Best Left Fielder Early On
Blue Jays
Travis Snider, Juan Rivera Giving Jays Next to Nothing in Left Field
