Shane Victorino feels optimistic after back surgery
“I want to be a part of this team. And hey, I love playing the game and that’s what I focus on.”
swung by Angel Stadium on Friday to visit the Red Sox and speak with the media following his surgery on Tuesday. Victorino, who had his back operated on, has a 3-6 month window of recovery, but he feels positive that he’ll be ready when spring training kicks off in 2015.
"“I couldn’t feel any happier,” Victorino told reporters. “You never want to have surgery, you never want to be in that position. I think this is, for me, a surgery that was probably something that was in the making and probably needed to get done. Understanding the circumstances we were in, I think that made a decision a little bit easier.“It definitely wasn’t something that I wanted to do. I saw some of the guys today and told them it’s not fun watching. Understanding where we’re at and what we’re focusing on, it was the time for me to get this done and be ready for 2015.”"
The Flyin’ Hawaiian, who is known for being an upbeat, high-energy guy, says that the toughest thing for him (aside from being off of the field) is being unable to move regularly.
"“The only (bad) part is not being able to do things,” Victorino said of his surgery. “We call it BLT — you can’t bend, you can’t lift, you can’t twist. So when I get into bed, I have to sit like I’m a log and roll like I’m a log. Those are the kind of things I’m trying to get accustomed to, which I’m definitely not. As you guys know, I’m always up and moving. I have to remember this is a process for me, and I’m starting from square one and we’re moving.”"
With Boston recently adding Yoenis Cespedes and Allen Craig to the lineup, the outfield situation for 2015 looks a bit confusing. The Red Sox, who have a plethora of MLB-caliber outfielders, will have to do some decision making as to who will be around at Fenway Park come next season.
Even so, Victorino feels comfortable that he will be in right field when the season kicks off, but says he’s flexible to play wherever he’s needed in the outfield.
"“I have every intention of being the right fielder next year,” Victorino said. “I don’t have any mindset that I’m not going to be the right fielder and focus on that. But like I said, wherever I’m going to play, it doesn’t matter to me. I just want to be out there, I want to be healthy, I want to be a part of this team. And hey, I love playing the game and that’s what I focus on.”"
Victorino knows best – “every little thing is gonna be all right.” Maybe he should have a word with Carl Crawford about appreciating what he has…