The Cubs and Dodgers have been in discussions with Coco Crisp to play left field, MLBTR has learned. The 32-year-old hasn't played left regularly since 2005 with the Indians.
The Cubs' inquiry on Crisp is interesting, since they have left fielder Alfonso Soriano under contract for $54MM over the next three years, with a full no-trade clause. New Cubs president Theo Epstein acquired Crisp from the Tribe for the Red Sox early in '06, extending him a few months later. The Dodgers currently seem to be looking at some combination of Juan Rivera, Tony Gwynn Jr., and Jerry Sands in left.
Crisp hit .264/.314/.379 in 583 plate appearances for the Athletics this year, his healthiest season since '07. His center field defense was above-average from 2009-10 but below-average this year, according to UZR.
COCO’s a good fit for the NY Yankees