Kevin Millar, the subject of trade rumors recently, reiterated his importance in the clubhouse because of his close relationship with Manny Ramirez. "He and I are as close as you can be as a teammate and friend," Millar said. "I spend more time with him on the road probably than a lot of guys, whether it be working out, whether it be eating lunch, [or] just hanging out. Do other guys take the time or effort to do that? No." Millar said playing winter ball has enabled him to get close to Latin players. "I think Manny and I have a relationship where he doesn't allow a lot of people in his circle," Millar said. "I think the trust is there because he knows me and he knows that I'm real." Given the rumors, the next two weeks could be tense times for Millar. The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31. "I'm just excited to get back," Millar said. "The first half is over. This is the fun part of the season, in my mind. Schilling has come back. Guys got a chance to take a break, relax a little bit. Now come back out there and do their thing."