Perhaps more importantly, Crochet’s decision sends a message to the fans and to the front office. It’s hard for a pitcher to be the face of a team, but with Rafael Devers gone and Roman Anthony still in his professional infancy, Crochet is the guy right now in Boston. His decision declares that he’s putting winning this year first.

The temptation to bring Alex Bregman back as soon as possible is unmistakable. Is the risk even greater? Bregman, the Boston Red Sox's star third baseman who ha