Red Sox outfielder Scott Podsednik turns 37 next March, but he hopes to remain in the majors, maybe with Boston.BOSTON - When the talk about 2013 is not about the Red Sox managerial situation, it is often about the young players.
What about the the old guys? Scott Podsednik would not mind coming back.
"It's been great here. Obviously, in terms of wins and losses, we didn't accomplish what we wanted,'' the 36-year-old outfielder said.
"First and foremost, though, I was excited to have the opportunity to play for the Red Sox, a team always committed to winning. I anticipate the Red Sox will be right back in the thick of it next year.''
The only reason not to consider Podsednik for this team's future is his birth certificate. Yet even at his age, eight years removed from a 70-steal season with Milwaukee in 2004, he is one of the fastest, most versatile players on the team.
Entering Wednesday night, he was hitting .316 with eight steals in 10 attempts, and seven sacrifice bunts. Small-ball players usually don't make headlines, but Podsednik remains one of the better players at that style.
"He works like a young man. He works out after games, and he's a much better hitter than I had thought,'' manager Bobby Valentine said.
Podsednik is under no illusions. In a big league career that began in 2001, he has played with seven different teams, with two separate stops with the Chicago White Sox.
Injuries hampered him in 2011, when Podsednik did not play in the majors. The Red Sox acquired him from the Phillies organization in May of this year, then traded him to Arizona in July.
The Diamondbacks did not have a place for him on their major league roster, and Podsednik refused a Triple A spot. The Red Sox signed him again on Aug. 9, nine days after they had traded him.
They obviously liked his game. But at his age, Podsednik knows nothing is guaranteed.
"I haven't thought a lot about next year. My focus is on finishing strong this year,'' he said.
Jacoby Ellsbury is pegged to play centerfield. The Red Sox would like to sign Cody Ross, and they see Ryan Kalish as part of their future.
If they are looking at spare outfielders, though, they could do worse than Podsednik, who was hitting .387 with Boston before a groin strain put him on the disabled list in mid-June.
Like many imported players, he is surprised at coming to a winning organization, only to wind up losing with it.
"We can sit and nitpick at the reasons, but we just didn't execute,'' he said.
"A lot goes into a club being successful or not. There is a long list both ways, but for whatever reason, we just didn't get it done.''
But Podsednik does not think the Red Sox are that far away. He would not mind being a part of the future.
"I am sure management is paying attention to our weaknesses. Just a new players could make a big difference,'' Podsednik said.
"You need 25 players on the same page with the same goals.''
Fleet and skilled despite his age, Scott Podsednik would like to be one of those 25.
"I don't know what will happen, but I'd love to come back and play for the Red Sox,'' he said.
"If I get that opportunity, I'll be excited.''