Jeff Goldberg of the Hartford Courant reported yesterday that the Red Sox have had no discussions with the Mets about swapping Coco Crisp for Angel Pagan, contradicting a report by WFAN’s Ed Coleman. Sox GM Theo Epstein termed the rumor a “fabrication,” and considering Pagan is a 26-year-old center fielder with marginal offensive skills (.255/.306/.415 in 318 career at-bats) and Coco Crisp is a 28-year-old center fielder with marginal offensive skills, it’s a pretty lame fabrication. I mean, who swaps light-hit, good-glove center fielders? And in this case, what would be the possible incentives for either side?

If you’re the Red Sox, I guess you’d like the idea of dumping a valuable, reasonably-priced player (Crisp) who said he wants to be traded if he’s not starting. If you’re the Mets, I guess you’d like the idea of obtaining a player (Crisp) who’s going to be riding the bench, demanding to be traded, when Carlos Beltran gets healthy. (If you’re Ed Coleman of WFAN, this all makes perfect sense.)

In fairness to Ed, the trade rumors surrounding Crisp have been random and nonsensical all spring. Reports have had him going to the Cubs or A’s or the Rangers or the Expos. The one report I haven’t read (but which I’m anxious to see) is where Theo Epstein states, “Gold Glove center fielders don’t grow on trees, people. While we’re excited by the prospect of Jacoby Ellsbury as our center fielder of the future, we recognize how important it is to have depth on our roster. Coco Crisp might not like the idea of coming off the bench for us, but injuries are a reality in baseball (particularly when your right fielder is named J.D. Drew), so we’re in no hurry to trade Coco to anyone.”

I understand Crisp’s desire to play regularly. But frankly, as a fan, I don’t care. I want the Red Sox to be as strong as possible, and trading a Gold Glove center fielder because he’s unhappy is both foolish and dangerous. After all, if Ellsbury or Drew were to get injured, Bobby Kielty would be starting every day. Sure, Kielty’s money against left-handed pitchers (.296/.379./.503 in 803 career plate appearances), but he’s anemic versus righties (.228/.329/.348 in 1281 ABs). He’s strictly a platoon player.

Considering Crisp is now hurt, it doesn’t seem likely that he’ll be traded anytime soon. And unless the Red Sox are absolutely bowled over by some team’s offer, I hope he’s not traded at all this season, because a team can never have too many switch-hitting Gold Glove center fielders. Coco might pout or complain if he’s riding the bench, but that scenario’s more palatable than “starting right fielder, Bobby Kielty.”

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