Nomar Returns To Fenway

With his voice weakening several times and nearing the cracking point, a soft-spoken and smiling Nomar Garciaparra spoke on Monday afternoon just hours prior to taking the Fenway Park field for the first time since a blockbuster trade sent him to the Chicago Cubs in 2004.

“My thoughts are excited, anxious, nervous,” Garciaparra said in anticipation of the reception from Fenway fans as he returns with the Oakland A’s. “For me, that’s what’s going go through me.”

Even Red Sox manager Terry Francona admitted Monday that he didn’t recognize the magnitude of the deal when Garciparra was sent to the Cubs and Orlando Cabrera came to Boston from Montreal.

“I didn’t realize at the time and I didn’t understand Boston well enough,” Francona said, before adding, “Sometimes I think he was Bostoned out.”

Garciaparra will bat sixth and DH for the opener.

He was asked a wide range of questions, from his thoughts about the fans, to his thoughts on steroids to being traded before the 2004 deadline and missing out on a chance to play in the World Series.

He said he didn’t know what to expect when he steps to the plate for the first time.

“I don’t know what to expect. I hope it’s great,” he said.

As for his time in Boston, he said he had no regrets about the way he played.

“I can look in mirror that I did everything I could,” Garciaparra said.

But he admitted that toward the end he probably could have been more media friendly as the pressure began to build playing in a city like Boston.

“I would’ve handled this (media) a little different,” he said. “If I didn’t learn from that, then shame on me.”

Asked if he had any regrets about not being apart of the 2004 team when they finally made it to and won the World Series, Garciaparra handled himself graciously.

“I felt so much apart of it,” he said. “Getting the ring. I felt so much apart of it because it was a championship season.”

Garciaparra spoke about being diagnosed last year with a genetic condition that led to the numerous injuries he’s sustained since leaving Boston in 2004.

“I have a genetic condition that caused (injuries),” he explained. “It’s something I’ll have to deal with rest of my life. More of a relief when I found out.”

Those injuries led to the realization coming into this season that he has been reduced to a DH and utility player.

“I was on the verge of retiring last year,” he said. “I always believed baseball could be over in an instant.”

Then there was the question about steroids, and how he felt about teammates like Manny Ramirez who have been suspended for testing positive for PEDs.

“I don’t know their whole story behind it (steroids). I think it’s disappointing,” he said. “This game doesn’t deserve that.”

But his most heartfelt emotion came when asked about playing before the fans of Boston again.

“I love them,” he said. “I don’t know how else to put it. I’m a little emotional. Cant believe the wonderful experience here and it’s all because of them.”

He said he missed talking to the Fenway game day staff he saw everyday since beginning his career in 1997, when he was American League Rookie of the Year.

“[It was] emotional, coming here, seeing people at the gate,” he said. “That’s what makes this place so special.”

He was also asked about the shortstop turnover since his departure, which began with Orlando Cabrera, ironically the starting Oakland shortstop. That leads to the debate as to whether Garciaparra is the best shortstop to ever don a Red Sox uniform.

“If I’m looked at that way thanks (to fans),” said Garciaparra. “If that’s the case, I must have done alright.”