The Dodgers are projecting Carl Crawford as their starting left fielder in 2013.

He is coming off Tommy John elbow reconstruction surgery and is owed more than $100 million over the next five seasons.

Crawford had his operation one day before the Dodgers acquired him, an unprecedented gamble considering the price tag for known damaged goods. His recovery and rehab is something of a mystery, as he has remained in his native Houston rather than working out under the supervision of club medics in Arizona.

"I felt like he's really excited and can't wait to get going and get back on the field," said Don Mattingly. "It's been like two years that he's really been healthy. He's ready to put the whole Boston thing behind him. He feels like just moving forward and just playing."