BOSTON (AP) – Former outfielder Gabe Kapler, who spent the past season managing in the Boston Red Sox minor league system, will try to resume his playing career in the majors in 2008.

“Managing was incredible for me this year,” said the 32-year-old, who managed Class A Greenville of the South Atlantic League. “I learned so much about baseball, about the young men I had an opportunity to lead, and about myself. Ultimately, the experience reawakened the competitor in me. I miss the battle. I still need to be on the field as a player.

“My body is as healthy as it has ever been, and I must take advantage of that. Managing was an important component of my development, and I am eternally grateful to the Red Sox for having provided me the opportunity to tackle a new challenge.”

Kapler played in the major leagues from 1998-2006 with Detroit, Texas, Colorado, and Boston, hitting .264 with 64 homers and 302 RBIs in 850 games. He was a member of the 2004 Red Sox team that won the World Series.

AP-ES-09-20-07 1456EDT