Every year is a new story and we don't know what's going to happen.

I think we should be better than last year, but you never know. A lot of things can happen. ... I expect us to at least make a run at making the state tournament.

I am saying Manny remains willing to consider trade possibilities that the Red Sox may wish to pursue.

At the conclusion of the season, we agreed to work with the Red Sox in exploring potential trade possibilities. We have never withdrawn our willingness to cooperate in that process and remain open to discussing trade possibilities.

I think it's been mischaracterized all along.

I think it's been mischaracterized all along. I think that over the last few years it's a situation were the Red Sox have wanted to pursue trade alternatives, just to kind of see what's out there. Manny has always been willing to participate in those kind of talks. He'd be willing to keep an open mind and cooperate if the Red Sox decide to have trade discussions with another team. But right now, the past is the past. As he said, he's focused on getting ready for the season.