Red Sox Cameron Ready For New Role

FORT MYERS, FL (CBS) - Mike Cameron is getting ready for a new role with the Red Sox.

With Carl Crawford, Jacoby Ellsbury and JD Drew penciled in as the outfielders, Cameron will now find himself coming off the Red Sox bench.

He does not mind, just as long as he is there for the ride.

"I just showed up because we got a good team this year," Cameron joked with the media on Thursday. "Josh Beckett said we're going for 100 (wins) so I decided to show up and be a part of it."

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Cameron reported to Red Sox Spring Training Thursday morning after an offseason of rehab. He played in just 48 games in 2010 while battling from an abdominal tear. Cameron said his offseason consisted of physical therapy five days a week for three hours a day which started in August. He has been swinging a bat and feels good, but is unsure when he'll be 100-percent.

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"We always say it's about being in shape, and then its about getting into baseball shape," Cameron said. "We'll see how the body kind of reacts to it, but I feel like everything's going to be in place."

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For the 16-year veteran, a smaller role is something he is embracing. Cameron likened himself to an old car, welcoming a pit stop every now and then. Although he'll most likely spell Jacoby Ellsbury in center from time to time, Cameron is also open to playing right (he's played 139 games there over his career) and some left field after some practice. Manager Terry Francona said Cameron could see spot starts in right of even DH against left-handed pitching.

"I'm excited about what is in store for me," he said. "The challenge of the different role I have to take on. I'm up for anything, I got every tool in the bag."

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How humble was Cameron this offseason? He actually helped the team recruit Crawford, despite the fact it would take away from his playing time. He knew with that addition, it would put the Red Sox on the short list of favorites to win a championship in 2011.

"Everything's in place, now we just have to go out and work to put it together, stay healthy. If those things fall into place we should be pretty good."