by By MICHAEL SILVERMAN , The Boston Herald

Instead of sweating out the details in person with a third visit to the World Series this decade, Epstein is spending time at home like most everyone else not associated with the Phillies or Yankees. Not your average fan to begin with, Epstein is still carving out as much time as he can to watch the games.

``I've been watching, but pretty casually,'' Epstein said yesterday from his office at Fenway Park. ``Like everyone else in the organization, though, most of our time these days is being spent planning for next season.''

There is plenty to plan for, too. The obvious decision about Jason Bay's pending free agency and what to do in left field appears to be the big one and Epstein has left the door open, as always, for big or small changes depending on how internal planning proceeds and external developments (the economy in general, other teams' payroll-personnel decisions) pan out.

One issue that does not appear to be on or near the front burner is concern about designated hitter David Ortiz and his readiness for 2010. The team and player do not want his 2010 season to begin like this past one - very slow - but Ortiz' dedication to entering next season in peak shape is unquestioned.

``It's still early in the offseason, but he looks like he's in great shape,'' said Epstein, who noted that Ortiz has been working out at Fenway just about every day this offseason.

Ortiz has one guaranteed year remaining on his contract, with the Red Sox holding a 2011 option worth $12.5 million.

Josh Beckett is also entering his final guaranteed season and in comments to the media Tuesday night, he spoke about how he enjoyed pitching in Boston. In comments to WEEI.com, he said that he and his agent would speak with the Red Sox about a possible extension in the coming weeks.

``It's always nice to hear that players want to be here but we don't talk about things like extensions publicly, never have,'' Epstein said.

Red Sox notes

As of yesterday, shortstop Alex Gonzalez said he had still not heard from the Red Sox about their plans on exercising his $6 million option. Gonzalez can opt out of the option if it is picked up. The Red Sox have five days after the conclusion of the World Series to decide, with Gonzalez getting 48 hours beyond that. Club options on pitcher Tim Wakefield ($4 million) and catcher Victor Martinez ($7 million) also must be acted upon within five days of the World Series' conclusion. . . .

According to ESPN.com, Cuban first baseman Jose Julio Ruiz, 25, has worked out for the Sox and Tigers within the past two weeks. The defector and free agent is a 6-foot-3, 234-pounder with good speed who could also be an outfield option.

- msilverman@bostonherald.com

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