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From a number change to position change, Jacoby preparing for 2010 season

Photo courtesy of the Boston Red Sox

Jacoby Ellsbury

Joe McHaney

January 26, 2010

If you are one of the many Jefferson County residents with a Jacoby Ellsbury jersey, you now have a collector's item.

Ellsbury is switching uniform numbers from No. 46 to No. 2, reverting back to his old high school uniform number.

"It's the number I wore at Madras High and I've always wanted it since," Ellsbury said in a phone interview Sunday. "I tried to get it at Oregon State and I've wanted it ever since I was called up."

Ellsbury has worn No. 46 since arriving on the big-league scene in 2007. Boston Red Sox bench coach Brad Mills has dressed in No. 2, but he was named the Houston Astro's manager in October.

"Once I heard the news about coach Mills, I went after No. 2," Ellsbury said with a laugh. "I'm pretty happy I get to wear my old number again."

Ellsbury has had a busy offseason preparing for the final season of his first MLB contract. The young star resides in Arizona where he is sculpting his body for the upcoming season.

"I've been busy working on my hitting and throwing," Ellsbury said. "I'm just trying to get my body in shape for a full season."

Ellsbury is also preparing to play a new position this year. The 2002 MHS graduate has played center field for the majority of his career with Boston, but the club acquired center fielder Mike Cameron in December. Ellsbury was informed that he will slide to left field.

"I had a discussion with our general manager and coaches," Ellsbury said. "The concern was that Mike has not played left and I played some left field during our World Series run in 2007."

Ellsbury played 232 consecutive games without an error in centerfield before that streak was snapped this past season, but the speedy outfielder is fine with the change.

"Whatever is best for our team," Ellsbury said about the position change. "I just want to play everyday and continue to improve."

Ellsbury is resting his legs this offseason after an incredible run last year. The Red Sox lead-off hitter stole a MLB best 70 bags. He also set the franchise's single-season record in steals, surpassing Tommy Harper.

"I feel very honored," said Ellsbury of holding the franchise single-season steals record. "When you think of the legacy of all the great Red Sox players and to hold a record amongst those guys is pretty special."

Ellsbury passed Harper's record of 54 stolen bases after he doubled and stole third base against the Chicago White Sox in August last season. Harper's record stood for 26 years.

"I work very hard at stealing bases," Ellsbury said. "I take a lot of pride on the base paths."

Ellsbury is also on the verge of signing a large MLB contract. He's eligible for salary arbitration after the 2010 season. Thus far, he's playing for just above the league minimum. He made just under $450,000 last season, but there is speculation Ellsbury will sign a contract that could pay $1-3 million the first season, $3-5 million the second year, and upwards to $8-13 million a year for a five- or six-year deal.

"I just feel really blessed to be in this position," Ellsbury said when asked if he feels any added pressure entering the final year of his contract. "I'm really not looking at my contract situation at this point."

Last season, Ellsbury finished with a .301 batting average. He had 27 doubles, 10 triples, eight home runs and 188 hits in all.

When asked what his 2010 season goals were, Ellsbury said he doesn't think about numbers all that much.

"I just want to get better in all aspects of the game," Ellsbury said. "The big thing for me is I just want to endure another full season. The season is long and it's not easy to do."

Ellsbury and Red Sox position players report for duty Feb. 22 in Fort Myers, Fla.