The Red Sox equipment truck ceremoniously departed Fenway Park via police escort yesterday afternoon for Spring Training in Fort Myers, Fla., despite the still uncertain future of possible roster addition Kevin Millar.
Newly installed Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein said he and the team’s management are now ‘bystanders’ regarding outfielder and first baseman Millar, in a final meeting with reporters last Thursday before he leaves for Florida tomorrow.
The Red Sox’ bid for Millar, a former Florida Marlins player, came after he had signed a two-year $6.2 million contract with the Japanese team Chunichi Dragons, which had bought his rights from the Marlins. Millar began to reconsider his decision upon receiving Boston’s offer, but official Major League Baseball rules were in question.
Epstein said except for looking for updates on the internet, the matter is now out of his hands.
‘The claim was put in originally to express our interest in Kevin Millar,’ he said. ‘At this time we’re not involved; we’re just an observer.’
Epstein said the management’s decisions reflect his concern about the long-term future of the club.
‘The goal is not only to compete and to win the World Series but to have a chance to win it every year,’ he said. ‘You have to make decisions with one eye on next year.’
Epstein, who took over the team on Nov. 25, characterized the off-season as busy due to its late start.
‘Normally there’s about a month where you can catch your breath, see where you are and get ready for Spring Training,’ he said. ‘We haven’t really had that because right up to the last minute we were still working some player transactions.’
He said there is a chance a few more minor transactions could take place during the first few weeks of Spring Training, but would not speculate.
Epstein would also not predict the team’s performance throughout Spring Training and the season, though he said he was confident.
‘Spring Training is not a time to evaluate for ability,’ he said. ‘It is a time to evaluate for health.’
Among the team’s health concerns is pitcher Derek Lowe, who is recovering from surgery for skin cancer on his face. Epstein said he has been in contact with Lowe, who is now catching up on workouts in Florida and ‘every day is making up for lost time.’
‘I don’t think there’s much reason for concern,’ Epstein said. ‘I know he’s going to be an avid spokesperson for using sun block.’
Epstein, a 29-year-old Brookline native, said he looks forward to attention diverting from him to the players once Spring Training begins.
‘The action happens between the lines on the field, and that’s where the attention should be,’ he said. ‘The players are the ones who earn the big bucks, and they’re the ones who are going to dictate this year, so it’s only right that they get the attention.’
Epstein said excitement overrides any anxiousness he may have about his first season leading his hometown team.
‘It’s always a special feeling when Spring Training starts,’ he said, ‘and you get to see the players that you helped acquire for the first time. Now that the uniform is going to say Boston across the front, it means that much more.’
Epstein said many players, including pitchers Lowe, Ramiro Mendoza and Chad Fox, are already in Florida preparing for the season. However, he said there is no guarantee the entire team will show up on time.
‘Heaven forbid everyone should actually show up on time,’ he said.