01:00 AM EDT on Thursday, April 13, 2006

BY JOE McDONALD
Journal Sports Writer

BOSTON -- Theo Epstein was quite complimentary of Coco Crisp yesterday afternoon, and for good reason.

As the injured Red Sox center fielder sat next to the club's general manager, Crisp nodded his head in agreement with everything Epstein was saying. And why wouldn't he, especially after the Red Sox announced they have signed Crisp to a three-year contract extension worth $15.55 million. The deal also includes a club option for 2010.

Crisp, who was acquired in a six-player trade with the Cleveland Indians in January, signed a one-year, $2.7-million deal with the Red Sox prior to spring training. Even then the sides were still discussing a long-term deal.

Epstein said yesterday the sides decided to put the one-year deal into effect in order for the sides to get to know each other better. During the last 7-10 days of spring training, talks picked up and the deal was completed right after Opening Day. The club decided to hold the Crisp announcement until after the David Ortiz contract extension was announced on Monday.

"I want to thank Coco for making this commitment to the Red Sox, and it's going to be great to have him in the fold for years to come," said Epstein. "We couldn't be happier to have him represent the Red Sox on and off the field. In the short time we've got to know him, we really think he's going to be a great fit."

Crisp was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Tuesday with a fracture at the base of his left index finger, which he suffered sliding into third base on Saturday in Baltimore.

"It's kind of like David's [contract deal], it's win-win," said manager Terry Francona. "It's good for him and good for the organization."

Crisp rubbed elbows with his new teammates during spring training and became familiar with the front office. He said during the press conference yesterday that that was the deciding factor to sign the extension.

"It was real easy to come in, and fit in," he said. "It was a fun atmosphere, and I love the Red Sox."

The offseason signings appear to have fit in nicely and the new Crisp deal will ensure a crucial piece of that nucleus remains for the foreseeable future.

"We made a concerted effort recently to acquire players who were on the upswing," said Epstein. "Players in Coco's age bracket, with tremendous skills who have done a lot in this game the way Coco has, and can do even more. We certainly think Coco is going to get even better."

Prior to his injury, Crisp was hitting .333, with eight hits and two stolen bases in five games. With his contract extension, he has the security he was looking for with Boston.

"Anything can happen in this game," he said. Having the security "is definitely big and you want that when you're in a place you want to play. There's no better place than here."

As the brief news conference was concluding yesterday, owners John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino stepped into the room to show their collective support of the contract extension, and shook hands with their now long-term center fielder.

"We think investing in Coco Crisp is a wise move," said Epstein. "This provides a little bit of cost certainly going forward and the flexibility to not have to deal with free agency."

jmcdonal@projo.com / (401) 277-7340