With Carl Pavano retired, I guess Carl Crawford takes over the role of highly paid athlete who is always hurt. So far Crawford has returned $15 million in value while earning about $54 million on his contract. Pavano returned about $4 million on a $40 million contract. Crawford would need to perform slightly negatively over the rest of his deal to match Pavano in terms of percent returned.
Nobody talks about for whatever reason, but Crawford put on a lot of weight, mostly muscle after he signed on with the Red Sox. In his first ST game against the Rays, the local (Rays) announcers were amazed at how much weight he had gained. They said he hoped to improve his power but they both said they expected it to hurt his running game and defense. They were right, although the power never materialized, and it may be the weight is taking its toll on his leg muscles as he ages. he may also be using Creatine to bulk up which can cause muscle strains.
He could also be using supplements lik creatine to bulp up and that increases the chances of muscle strains