jacoby ellsbury

The Boston Red Sox are putting slumping leadoff man Jacoby Ellsbury on the bench. J.D. Drew took over Ellsbury's spot at the top of the batting order for Game 4 of the AL championship series against Tampa Bay.

Coco Crisp will play center field instead of Ellsbury. Ellsbury is hitless in the ALCS, going 0-for-14.

Manny was out of the lineup. Big Papi was out of town. The Boston Red Sox sure didn't look like themselves with their two biggest hitters gone.

Couldn't tell by the scoreboard, though. Coco Crisp kept Boston's depleted lineup rolling by driving in four runs, and Jacoby Ellsbury homered and stole two more bases for a Red Sox rookie record in a 9-0 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday.

Coco Crisp, who lost his center field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said Wednesday he'd probably talk to the Boston Red Sox about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.

"Honestly, I think so because I want to play," Crisp said before his spring training workout. "I wouldn't be happy sitting on the bench." He's not even certain he'll get an equal chance in the competition for the job.

Manager Terry Francona said Wednesday it would be.

Coco Crisp, who lost his center field job to rookie Jacoby Ellsbury in the postseason, said Wednesday he'd probably talk to the Boston Red Sox about trading him if it appears he won't get his starting job back.

"Honestly, I think so because I want to play," Crisp said before his spring training workout.