Daily Red Sox Links: Carl Crawford, Rich Hill, Single-A Prospects

Carl Crawford went to Boston to have his elbow examined. Don't worry, though, as it's not supposed to be anything serious. Crawford was checked out for "minor elbow soreness" and it doesn't sound like it's anything that will hold him up further. At least, let's hope not, since the team is already likely without him until the beginning of May. Bobby Valentine said Crawford would need around 50 at-bats (or 15 games) to get himself ready for the majors once more. It's now April 11, and the Red Sox are five games into their season, with the minor-league clubs also playing. Crawford has yet to join anyone, but in the same quick note above, it's said Crawford's wrist recovery is going well.

Rich Hill threw an inning for Single-A Greenville yesterday, and while he gave up a run, he also struck out two hitters. That was his second rehab appearance, and while there's no official timetable for when he'll be back with the Red Sox, you have to think they will bring him to Boston as soon as possible, especially with Justin Thomas unlikely to be worth much as a lefty reliever in the long run. Or the short run, either, if you're still smarting from last night's performance.

Not down in Greenville to see Hill or the actual prospects down there? That's what MiLB.tv is for. Bullpen Banter's JD Sussman took a look at some of the kids down there -- players like Blake Swihart and Garrin Cecchini -- to give a quick scouting report.

Bradley Ankrom researched to see just which teams have and have not been receiving value out of their extra draft picks over the years.

Ozzie Guillen was suspended five games for his pro-Fidel Castro comments that got him into trouble with the heavily-populated Miami region. This brought on an apologetic press conference, as well as commentary from Cuban-born players in the majors, including some of Boston's own.

Long-term extensions for young players just keep on coming. Carlos Santana, Ian Kinsler, and Brandon Phillips have all been signed in the past few days. At this rate, every free agent in the near future will be terrible, and no one will be able to afford to have their own useful players walk away for fear of never replacing them. Not really, but it sure feels like it.

Is MLB's Fan Cave promoting terrible fandom? The Classical's Eric Nusbaum says yes, yes it is.