Victorino Discusses Choosing Red Sox Over Indians
Shane Victorino, who signed a three-year, $39 million deal with the Boston Red Sox this past winter, turned down a four-year, $43 million contract with the Cleveland Indians.
Cleveland made a strong pitch to Victorino, using their other free agent additions and new manager Terry Francona.
"I didn't know who was going to come calling [in free agency], but I took every offer seriously, took everything in perspective. In the end, I chose [Boston], but no hard feelings against Cleveland," Victorino said.
"You look at the moves [the Indians] made after I signed here, throughout the offseason, that made their team better — [Michael] Bourn, [Nick] Swisher. Having Terry as their manager now, a guy that has managed World Series teams… Obviously, there was definitely hopes of being a winning team there and turning things around, so there was some definite interest. There was no hard feelings anywhere. I just thought Boston might be a better fit for me."