The Red Sox have decided Jacoby Ellsbury will play left field, and Mike Cameron will man center for the 2010 season.

Once the Sox inked Cameron to a two-year deal worth $15.5 million this offseason, general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona said they would take a few weeks to decide who would play where. Francona recently spoke with Ellsbury and Cameron and informed them of their roles for the upcoming season.

"The thought being, Cameron has played center most of his career and he's got those long strides. Ells, kind of like [Rays' left fielder] Carl Crawford, has the short burst of speed and I think doing it like this, we're going to have a spectacular outfield."

When Francona called Ellsbury with the decision, the 26-year-old outfielder was a bit disappointed.

"He was worried that it was a demotion, which it is not," explained Francona. "I kind of ensured him of that. I just think we're tying to put guys where we think they can make the biggest impression. Cam was great, for a guy who is 37-years-old and played center field his whole life, he said, 'Hey, I'll play anywhere.' So it was just a decision based on what's best for our team."

When Francona called Ellsbury, newly-appointed bench coach DeMarlo Hale was in on the phone call because the former third-base coach for the Sox has worked with Ellsbury the last couple of seasons on defense.

"I think there was some disappointment there - I don't deny that," said Francona. "But I do think it's in our best interest and I think Jac will do a great job."

Because of the short left field at Fenway Park, some might think Ellsbury's speed would be wasted there, but that's not the case. It won't matter if he has more real estate to cover on the road, or a smaller plot of land at home, Ellsbury will be able to handle the job.

"I think he's going to be good at both," said Francona. "You put him out in our left field and there won't be a lot that touches the grass. With quickness, you don't have to have a lot of arm. There won't be a lot of guys scoring. At Fenway, if you can come get the ball, you're going to prevent a lot of runs. It's going to be good. We're going to have the long stride of Cameron in center, and the good burst of Ellsbury in left, it's going to be a nice combination."

--JOE McDONALD