Possible Jacoby Ellsbury Replacements: Linsanity Redux in Boston?

Jacoby Ellsbury injured his right shoulder on a takeout slide during Boston's 12-2 home opening win over the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday.

The diagnosis for the star center fielder is yet to be determined, but reports out of the organization say that the 28-year-old will be doing his best Grady Sizemore impression on the DL, as he will be out for at least six-to-eight weeks, according to mlb.com's Ian Browne.

So, who's up for a little center field at Fenway?

Read on to find out.

The Incumbents

The most likely and obvious scenario is that Manager Bobby Valentine will roll out some combo of Ryan Sweeney, Darnell McDonald and Cody Ross. Sweeney is the hottest of the bunch at the moment, boasting a slash-line of .429/.478/.619 over 23 plate appearances thus far, while 2010 postseason hero Ross is the best bet to get hot for a period with the bat.

The reality is, though, that we'll see some combination of all three on most nights, with Carl Crawford still ailing and Ellsbury now out. 

The well is dry in the minors as well, with most of the top position players considered major league-ready being infielders (Will Middlebrooks, Ryan Lavarnway, Jose Iglesias).

The best anyone can hope for is a quick recovery from Crawford at this point.

The Minors

Che-Hsuan Lin

According to soxprospects.com, Lin has the "ability to steal 20-25 bases in the big leagues. [Is a] well-above average defender," and has "Above-average approach and pitch recognition...excels at working counts." Currently, the 23-year-old international free agent is batting .150/.261/.350 in Triple-A Pawtucket. Ouch.

Earlier this morning, Lin's agent confirmed the Sox' brass called up his client...for the time being. We'll see how he fares against major-league pitching.

Pedro Ciriaco

The 26-year-old shortstop has a reputation of being all-glove-and-no-hit, but the Sox could grab him from Triple-A Pawtucket and give him some time as the fourth-outfielder if Lin doesn't work out. The former Pirates farmhand had a great spring with the bat, and good fielding shortstops have a tendency to be able to field any position well. 

Through Trade

According to weei.com's Alex Speier, there are a few trade options General Manager Ben Cherington might consider, including Coco Crisp and Marlon Byrd.

Oakland, following the offseason signing of Yoenis Cespedes, would likely be willing to trade their former starting center fielder. They also have a plethora of young, interchangeable outfielders in the majors and high-minors who could step in adequately for Crisp should they deal him.

Billy Beane could certainly carry on his tradition of selling off cheap parts at a high price to contenders early this year. Byrd is also easily replaceable on the Cubs' roster. Speier writes:

"

Given that prospect Brett Jackson is considered close to ready for the big leagues. Byrd has been a capable center fielder and solid hitter for years, though the 34-year-old, who is in the last year of a three-year, $15 million deal, is off to a rancid start for the Cubs this year (1-for-24, .048 average).

"

Not exactly a palatable option at the plate currently, it's hard to see Boston giving up anything of significance to bring in Byrd.

One option—and this is pure speculation on my part—would be to deal shortstop Mike Aviles for a legitimate outfielder (surely, more names will surface over the next few days) and bring up Jose Iglesias to back up Nick Punto. Unfortunately, Iglesias still isn't ready at the plate, so that isn't terribly likely, but it's a possibility that they play out that same scenario with Ciriaco.

For now, it looks like a tryout for Lin and wait for the rehabs of Crawford and Ellsbury. Ouch.