Vicente Padilla Getting Accustomed to Relieving, But Hoping for Shot at Starting Via Free Agency

It was a year full of new experiences for Vicente
Padilla.

After three seasons with the Dodgers, he made his foray
back to the American League and signed with Boston. Having been a starting
pitcher since 2002, he then adjusted to life as a reliever for the Red Sox for
an entire season.

In retrospect, the veteran pitcher reflected on the
change of scenery with a positive outlook.

“It was an interesting year for me because it was a
new experience being in the bullpen,” Padilla told NESN.com in Spanish.
“But I think I did a good job, considering I haven’t been in the bullpen
for awhile and mainly starting through my career.”

Back in spring training, Padilla was hell-bent on
starting. Through 56 games this season, the 35-year-old backed off the hard
stance and demonstrated an ability to adapt, tallying a 4-1 record with a 4.50
ERA and 51 strikeouts in relief.

But that doesn’t mean he’s completely shed his starting
dreams.

“I’m getting accustomed to [relieving], but I’d
definitely like to be a starter again given the opportunity,” Padilla
said.

An opportunity to start will certainly be a factor in where
Padilla, who will be a free agent this offseason, winds up in 2013. Even if that opportunity doesn’t
arise in Boston, the pitcher would embrace a return to the Red Sox.

“It was a great atmosphere,” Padilla said of
Fenway Park. “The fans were great. My teammates were great and that’s a
motivating factor.”

It remains to be seen whether the interest would be mutual
on Boston’s end.

Have a question for Didier Morais? Send it to
him via Twitter at @DidierMorais
or send it here.
He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.