FORT MYERS, Fla. – Mike Cameron has yet to report to the Red Sox Player Development Complex, but he is not expected to have any issues when he does.
Manager Terry Francona said Monday that Cameron will most likely have no restrictions this spring. The Red Sox outfielder is nearly six months removed from surgery to repair an abdominal tear that ended his 2010 season after only 48 games.
"He's good. He feels terrific," Francona said of Cameron. "He's so excited about how he feels and we’re looking forward to seeing that because last year was tough on him."
Once Grapefruit League games begin, Cameron will see plenty of action in right field. He figures to serve as a perfect complement to the left-handed hitting J.D. Drew, who often sits against southpaws and has already discussed a balky hamstring injury that hindered him in 2010. Cameron can obviously play center field and has some experience in left, but Francona indicated that the 38-year-old might not see too much action at those spots.
For one, left fielder Carl Crawford will be an everyday player as long as he is healthy. Also, moving center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury around a lot is not in the team's best interest.
"If Jacoby's playing every day in center, I’d just assume leave him there," Francona said.
Position players are due to report to Fort Myers by Thursday.
