Major League Baseball

Valentine: Crawford still recovering

Published Feb. 15, 2012 12:00 a.m. ET

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Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Wednesday he did not expect star outfielder Carl Crawford to be ready for the start of the season, as he recovers from surgery on his left wrist.

The 30-year-old four-time All-Star underwent the surgery Jan. 17.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Carl's a few weeks into the season before he's really ready," Valentine told the Boston Globe in Fort Myers, Fla.

"I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed if that's what nature dictates as his healing process.

"When he's ready and he's healed, he is going to be a welcome addition to our team, whenever that is.

"The more I've looked at Carl on film and tried to evaluate the whole thing, he's really special and we really need him. If it's later, then that's when it will be."

Crawford joined the Red Sox last season from Tampa Bay on a seven-year, $142 million deal.

He did not live up to expectations in his first year in Boston, hitting a career-low .255 with 11 home runs and 56 RBI.
 

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