Boston Red Sox: Carl Crawford Wants To Play on Opening Day

It sure would be nice to see Carl Crawford playing left field for the Red Sox come Opening Day.

In a report by ESPN's Joe McDonald, it appears as though he very well could be. While addressing how he is feeling post surgery, Crawford had this to say:

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I was able to swing the bat very aggressively and it’s just putting me another day towards my goal and that’s to make the Opening Day lineup. I felt good about where I was at today and hopefully I can get better.

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For all intents and purposes, this is fantastic news for Red Sox fans. The idea of having to utilize either Ryan Sweeney or Darnell McDonald on Opening Day is not the way this team wants to start things.

For Crawford, this is just another positive step this offseason. His personal health is headed in the right direction and Red Sox principal owner John Henry apologized to him for publicly stating he did not want to sign him.

Now with Crawford coming back, the question is: Where exactly will he fit in the lineup? In a previous piece, I stated that Crawford will be 2012's Curtis Granderson. The foundation of this argument is based upon the idea of Crawford being moved into the second slot in the lineup and kept there for the entire season.

While many people will knock the idea of moving everyone down a spot, this is one hell of a way to stretch out the lineup, getting the most out of every player on the team and beating up on opposing pitchers.

When asked about lineups, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said he'll likely use "100 different lineups" this season. Crawford has been taking the PC approach when asked about his spot in the lineup in 2012. Said Crawford: 

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“I’m not sure,” Crawford said. “Bobby’s got plenty of ideas, I’m sure, about how he wants to make the lineup and wherever he puts me this year, my job is to be ready to play.”

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Whether Valentine puts Crawford at the top or the bottom of the batting order to kick off the season (please, Bobby, bat him second), the silver lining is knowing that he'll be in the lineup, regardless of where he bats.

Carl Crawford is back, not just from injury, but from a lackluster season. Of this I have no doubt.