×

Getting things right

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Like the Boston Red Sox, Shane Victorino is looking to rebound.

The only Maui-born All-Star in major league history was dealt from the Philadelphia Phillies to the Los Angeles Dodgers last summer and wound up hitting a combined .255 – 20 points below his career average – with 11 home runs and 55 RBIs, though he had a career-high 39 stolen bases.

“There was a lot on my plate,” the St. Anthony High School graduate said last week. “There were things you can’t control. And I try to control those kinds of things. But I put those things behind me and I tried to do the best I could and tried to fulfill and finish the season as strong as I could.”

The 32-year-old outfielder became a free agent after the season and signed a $39 million, three-year contract with Boston, coming off a last-place finish at 69-93, its losingest season since 1965.

“People talk about the storied franchise, talk about the history behind that ballpark, when I was there doing that press conference, just started getting that adrenaline rush, started to really hit home that this is going to be called home for me the next three years,” he said. “I’m excited. I’m going to go out there and give 100 percent, and I’m going to let the fans make the decision on falling in love or not.”

Victorino joins first baseman Mike Napoli, shortstop Stephen Drew, pitchers Ryan Dempster and Joel Hanrahan, outfielder Jonny Gomes and catcher David Ross on the new-look Red Sox, who fired manager Bobby Valentine and replaced him with John Farrell.

“We’re not coming in here to try to change the culture,” Victorino said. “More than anything it’s just adding to the pieces of the puzzle and to go out there and have fun. Most important I think that’s what we need to do. Winning cures all. When you don’t win people are always going to wonder and find answers of why. They’re going to blame the clubhouse, the atmosphere.”

While Victorino has been primarily a center fielder, he figures to play in right for the Red Sox, with Jacoby Ellsbury remaining in center.

“The first thing you look for in right field is a right fielder that has above-average range, center field-type range,” Farrell said. “That was a criteria that was high on the list and certainly Shane fits that. We wanted high-energy players. He fits that, as well.”

Before Victorino leaves to play for the U.S. team in the World Baseball Classic, he hopes to become more familiar with Ellsbury.

“I started as a right fielder and I have a great center fielder that’s going to be playing alongside of me,” Victorino said. “It’s going to be a lot of work. Definitely Fenway, right field’s a little different.”

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper?
     
Support Local Journalism on Maui

Only $99/year

Subscribe Today