Cherington: Winning will shape clubhouse

When asked about the much-talked-about clubhouse dynamic, Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington surmised that the chemistry within the team will be shaped by winning or losing.

"We played winning baseball for about two months and it wasn’t like every day of those two months were perfect, but we played winning baseball for two months and had a tough week, so we just have to get back to playing winning baseball," Cherington said. "It’s sort of classic chicken-or-the-egg thing. When things are going well and you’re winning it feels like a much better atmosphere. When you’re not it doesn’t feel as good of an atmosphere. I believe we have a group of guys -- everyone in uniform --- who’s working hard, tough and talented enough for us to pull together and win a lot of games in the second half, and if we do that the atmosphere will seem pretty good. We just have to go do that."

Cherington also expressed some optimism that Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia -- who is on the 15-day disabled list (thumb) -- would be able to return to the lineup around when his DL time is up (Wednesday).

Pedroia took batting practice with the rest of the team Thursday, showing no ill effects from the strained thumb ligament he suffered July 3 in Oakland.

"It’s a good sign, he feels a lot better," Cherington said. "He’s going to ramp up his activity over the weekend and hopefully if all goes well he’ll be ready to join us if not on or not too long after his eligible date."

Also taking batting practice with team was Jacoby Ellsbury (shoulder), who is slated to hit leadoff for the Sox in their series opener against the Rays Friday. The hope for the Red Sox is also to get Carl Crawford (elbow) back in the batting order early next week. Crawford will play in three straight games for Triple-A Pawtucket, starting Thursday night.

The Red Sox haven't yet determined what corresponding move they will make to get Ellsbury back on the active roster. Both Crawford and Ellsbury are on the 60-day disabled list, meaning adjustments to the 40-man roster would have to be made, along with the 25-man roster maneuver.

"We can control most of it," Cherington said of the team's surplus of outfielders. "We’re open to discussing some of the guys with teams that have called on some of our outfielders. We’re not real motivated to move anyone unless it makes sense because there is a way we can control most if not all of that quote-unquote surplus, and all those guys still have a chance to help us. And a lot of those guys we control past this year. We’re not really that motivated to do anything as long as we can hold on to all of it.

"A lot of guys have options. If everyone is healthy there’ll be some roster decisions to make, but we’re just not all that motivated to go move a player proactively because we’re expecting a roster crunch. If there is a deal that makes sense we’ll consider it, but if not let’s see how it goes, let’s get healthy and then see where we are then."

Cherington also said that despite Crawford's recent assertion that surgery might be needed on the outfielder's injured elbow, the GM doesn't believe that's necessarily going to be the case.

"I’m not, but certainly the player’s opinion matters more than anyone," Cherington said when asked if he was sure surgery was inevitable. "That’s been discussed as a possibility down the road just because when medical people talk about injuries and players they’re going to run the full gamut of possibilities, it’s like if a pitcher who has some symptoms, a doctor might say we recommend this, can’t rule out this down the road, doesn’t mean this ever takes place. We know there are plenty of position players that have performed at a very high level with the UCL injury and we believe Carl can do that. But he’s got to go do it, and ultimately he’s got to be confident. From what he’s told me and what he’s told our staff, he’s focused on playing and wants to play, so that’s what we’re focused on."

While Cherington addressed the media, third baseman Will Middlebrooks tested his injured hamstring by running the bases under the watchful eyes of the team's medical staff and manager Bobby Valentine. It appeared as though Middlebrooks -- who hasn't played since July 1 -- had no issues when executing the drills.

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