Gabe Kaplar looking to resume his playing career

br3ds0x · September 20, 2007

*edit*f*** the title

BOSTON --Former outfielder Gabe Kapler, who spent the past season managing in the Boston Red Sox minor-league system, said he would try to resume his playing career in the majors in 2008.

Kapler, 32, managed Boston's Single-A affiliate in Greenville of the South Atlantic League last year.

"Managing was incredible for me this year," Kapler said. "I learned so much about baseball, about the young men I had an opportunity to lead, and about myself. Ultimately, the experience reawakened the competitor in me. I miss the battle. I still need to be on the field as a player.

"My body is as healthy as it has ever been, and I must take advantage of that. Managing was an important component of my development, and I am eternally grateful to the Red Sox for having provided me the opportunity to tackle a new challenge."

Kapler played in the major leagues from 1998-2006 with Detroit, Texas, Colorado and Boston, hitting .264 with 64 homers and 302 RBI in 850 games. He was a member of the 2004 Red Sox team that won the World Series.

He would have been a free agent last season, but announced his retirement in December.