Could Kevin Millar Revive His ‘Cowboy Up’ Days in Boston?

Red Sox manager Terry Francona will be answering questions on NESN.com this offseason. You can have your questions answered by e-mailing them to his mailbag.

Here’s his 12th installment.

I see that Kevin Millar is still not signed. If I were willing to pay his salary for one year, would the Red Sox be willing to sign him for one year before he retires or goes to the minors? I’m sure I’m not the only one that would like to see him back in the clubhouse.
–Eric Peterson, Warwick, R.I.

Eric, if you are willing to pay salaries, we might sign a lot of players! But point well taken. Kevin was one of the most unique (and likeable) players I have ever been around. He was as big a part of our ’04 comeback as anyone. It will be interesting to see where his career goes. I have no doubt that as his playing career comes to an end, his television career will blossom. He is a natural.

How will you use Tim Wakefield in 2010? His goal of being the Red Sox’ all-time winningest pitcher seems incompatible with pitching relief.
–Ed Margerum, Salem, Mass.

We view Wake as one of our valuable starters. Going into spring training, it looks, at the moment, like we have an extra pitcher. We have said that very same thing a few times before. We try as a staff to account for the innings we are going to need in an upcoming year, and then figure out the best way to prepare to fill those innings. While we view Wake as a valuable pitcher (who can win), we don’t want to be in a position where we ask too much. The last few years, he hasn’t been able to finish the season. I don’t think anyone in the Red Sox organization thinks it suits us to rely on Wake for 220 innings. That doesn’t mean he can’t be a huge contributor for the 2010 season and beyond.
 
Even with the departure of Jason Bay, the Red Sox lineup looks pretty good. What do you think will be the team’s biggest strength on offense?
–Tommy, Westfield, Mass.

I hope the biggest strength of our lineup will be balance and consistency. If we can put pressure on the opposing pitcher every single inning and get to bullpens early, that bodes well for us. We have guys like [Marco] Scutaro and [Mike] Cameron who are capable of hitting at the top of the order or at the bottom. With Victor [Martinez] being a switch-hitter, it gives us a consistent bat in the middle of our lineup that also contributes to balance. 
 
I follow baseball very closely, and one of the most interesting stories of the 2009 season to me was the progression of Junichi Tazawa. He seemed to come so far, so fast. What expectations do you have for Tazawa in the immediate and long-term future?
–aarons71684, Falmouth, Mass.

You are certainly correct in your observation. Junichi came to spring training with only his participation in Japan’s industrial league as his prior experience. He tore up spring training. If it hadn’t been for Daniel Bard’s performance, you would have heard even more. Then, Junichi went to Double-A and did a terrific job of learning what was expected of him in our system. He was elevated to Triple-A because of his success, and then right on the heels of that, we brought him to Boston because of injuries. At every juncture, he did what was asked of him. I think we all think his future is very bright, whether that’s in the rotation or in the bullpen.

What are the chances that the Red Sox can get David Ortiz to hit to left field more in 2010? I’ve thought for sometime even though he is considered a home run hitter, if he went to left more, you might see the shift go away. I also think you’re the best manager the Sox have had in — at least — my lifetime.
–Jim, Pittsfield, Mass.

I think with all hitters, the more they use the entire field, the higher average they will hit. The trade-off is what will be taken away from his power. If we can strike a balance that would help his effectiveness, I am all for it. The funny thing is, when David sets his sights on left-center, that is so often when he hits for power.