The Boston Red Sox have left open the possibility of Middlebrooks playing winter ball after a disappointing 2014 season. The third baseman hasnt yet made a decision, though, as several factors are in play.

Its tough, Middlebrooks told WEEI.coms Alex Speier during the Red Soxs series against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium this week. I do understand the organizational side of it and what they need to feel or see, but then theres my side of it. I want to go get healthy, I want to go get stronger, I want to get fresh, turn the page and get ready for next year. Its a tough decision.

I just feel like, do I take the time and go get healthy and let some of these things go away, not swing a bat for a while, or do I get the consistent at-bats in games for a couple months and then have the healing pushed back and take more time for everything?

Middlebrooks expects to have more discussions with the Red Sox this month regarding the possibility of playing winter ball after the season ends. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington, assistant GM Mike Hazen and manager John Farrell all pointed to winter ball as being a possibility for the 25-year-old, but Middlebrooks, who has battled various injuries over the last two seasons, wants to make sure the benefit of garnering extra at-bats wont be mitigated by an inability to fully recover health-wise for 2015.

Thats the part I dont know. Thats the part Im just not sure of. I dont know, Middlebrooks said. Thats something that time will tell. I dont have an answer for you.

Middlebrooks made it clear in his conversation with Speier that the subject of winter ball isnt one involving animosity. The sides remain amicable in all their discussions, which should increase in the coming weeks.

Its not like Im going against them. Its not like a butting of heads. Its not like that at all, Middlebrooks told Speier. They understand where Im coming from and I understand where theyre coming from.

Its been another disappointing season for Middlebrooks, who hasnt lived up to expectations since bursting onto the scene in 2012. Injuries certainly have played a role, even if theyre not the only preventative flaw in Middlebrooks game.

I know Im a good player, Middlebrooks said. When Im healthy no excuses but when Im healthy, I know the type of player I am. I know the impact I can make in the game. Thats not cockiness. I just know the player I am. I know the tools I have. I know what I can do. Ive done it. That adds to the frustration when things arent going well, because I know the player I am. Its hard not to be able to show it.

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Will Middlebrooks: Winter Ball Decision Not Like A Butting Of Heads