We all knew this was coming. Coco clearly didn’t like being second-fiddle to the Mormon from Oregon, and rightfully so, he had too much talent to be a fourth outfielder. Sadly, Coco never lived up to the ridiculously high expectations that everybody set for him when he came in to replace the very large shoes left behind by “Judas” Damon. Coco’s offensive numbers certainly were never an improvement over Damon’s from ‘02-’05, although he was an immediate upgrade for the Sox in IQ.

But rather than think about all the potential gone south (remember how he started his first five games in a Sox jersey with a .333BA, a double, a triple and 2SB before breaking his pinkie??), I’d rather just remember Coco for some of the good things. His ridiculous bases-loaded balls to the ground catch to rob David Wright in 2006. His near-Stephen King moment with the Mariner Moose’s ATV. His kamikaze catch going full-speed into the bullpen wall for the final out of the 2007 ALCS. (As Gabe Kapler said, “If it was a one run game, it goes down as one of the greatest catches in postseason history.”) His minor scuffle with the Devil Rays. His 10 pitch single in the 8th inning of game five the 2008 ALCS to bring the Sox all the way back from being down 0-7 to tie the game. That’s what I’ll remember from Coco. Oh, and that his ‘fro does get soggy in milk.

So long Coco, I hope you finally reach your potential…as long as it’s not in pinstripes.