Hafner glad that Crisp is staying

Manager Eric Wedge was unhappy about the trade rumors.
By BILL SULLIVAN
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- As of right now, outfielder Coco Crisp is a part of the Cleveland Indians baseball team and manager Eric Wedge seems happy about that fact.
"It's unfortunate that certain parties aren't able to keep their mouths shut," Wedge said about the rumored deal sending Crisp to the Boston Red Sox.
"There's not a deal out there until there's a deal done. We're not looking to deal anybody. There's always ongoing conversation. The fact of the matter is we're not doing anything unless we feel like it makes us better today as well as tomorrow."
Players on hand
Wedge spoke Thursday at the Cleveland Indians press tour on the campus of Youngstown State Univ. Indians players C.C. Sabathia, Cliff Lee and Travis Hafner also appeared.
Crisp hit .300 last summer and established career-high marks in runs scored (81), doubles (42) and homers (16).
"These guys have proven that they're right there on the cusp of a championship," Wedge said. "Anything we do is just to enhance that."
According to the rumors, the Red Sox want Crisp to play centerfield and hit leadoff, replacing departed Johnny Damon who signed with the New York Yankees as a free agent.
In return the Indians would receive relief pitcher Guillermo Moto and highly-regarded third-base prospect Andy Marte.
It was also rumored that Moto failed a physical in Cleveland Tuesday. He pitched in the Florida Marlins' bullpen last year.
Hafner's hope
Hafner said he hopes Crisp remains on the team.
"On Coco's behalf, he's been a great teammate," Hafner said. "It's been good to see. He kind of came up and maybe had that label of a fourth outfielder early on in his career. He's worked really hard to make himself into a legitimate big league outfielder and everyday player."
Hafner repeated that he hopes the rumor doesn't come true.
"I'm just happy for Coco and hopefully we'll have him around for a long time," Hafner said.