Signing makes for full holiday stocking

Crawford was introduced to the Nation yesterday morning at Fenway. His arrival coincided with the Sox 2011 ticket campaign kickoff (“Christmas at Fenway’’), and general manager Theo Epstein shamelessly offered, “Red Sox tickets went on sale a half-hour ago, and they’re going fast.’’

It was quite the hello for this speedy outfielder. Having passed his physical, with the ink still drying on his new pact, Crawford made the rounds at his new workplace. He was greeted by Sox ambassador Peter Gammons, soldiered through a press conference with a Stevie Nicks voice (Crawford says he’s catching a cold), then greeted Sox fans attending Christmas at Fenway on the EMC level.

Jason Varitek was glad to see his new teammate. Crawford has embarrassed the Sox for most of this century, stealing 62 bases in 66 attempts against Boston. He stole six bases in a game against Varitek in 2009. He swiped 35 in a row against the Sox, dating to 2005.

In Tampa, Crawford hated to bat leadoff and did not like playing center field. He should be able to avoid both roles here as long as Jacoby Ellsbury is healthy (supply punch line here). Manager Terry Francona yesterday indicated that Crawford will bat second or third.

“I don’t mind hitting anywhere in the lineup,’’ Crawford said. “Terry is the manager. Whatever lineup he makes, I’m OK with it.’’

Folks in Tampa considered Crawford polite, cooperative, and something of a stand-up guy. When Pat Burrell disrespected a bench player at a social outing, Crawford is the one who got in Burrell’s face and almost provoked a clubhouse brawl. Manager Joe Maddon applauded the intervention.

Like some other Sox before him, Crawford is prone to malaprops. Strapped for time at a Rays charity golf outing, he explained that he would only be able to stay for half of the tournament — “just eight holes.’’

Guess we won’t have to worry about him sneaking out to Pebble Beach when the Sox are in Oakland.

He is a superior athlete who is not particularly fluid nor graceful. His swing is on the choppy side. But he gets the job done. And Sox fans are going to like his defense.