Reds starter Bronson Arroyo (above) shared his innermost feelings with the Lawrence Eagle Tribune’s Rob Bradford yesterday.
Does he regret inking the deal with the Red Sox?
“Not in a million years,” Arroyo continued. “I did what was right for me, and that was staying in Boston, secure myself, and not feel the pressure of pitching for a contract. I don’t regret in any way.
“I was disappointed with the move, but it is probably going to help me out in the long run, because I’m coming over to (Cincinnati) with a little more responsibility, showing I didn’t need the Boston Red Sox lineup to stay out there and win ballgames. In the end, as a free agent, I have become worth more than if I stayed in Boston and pitched out of the pen.”
That said, Arroyo’s intentions for his next deal haven’t wavered since spring training. His goal is to build up his reputation and ink an even heftier contract – with the Boston Red Sox.
There is a reason, after all, he is keeping his Boston home until his contract runs out two years from now.
“I still miss playing in that uniform, especially when I turn on the TV and they are 10 games out of first place and there is still a crowd that is maybe more enthusiastic than any crowd in the game,” Arroyo said. “You never know what’s going to happen in the next couple years.”
Indeed, we don’t know what will happen, though hopefully some legislation will be passed that addresses cornrows and/or “Wonderwall” covers.