Red Sox Report

Words of caution regarding Bobby V.

November, 27, 2011

11/27/11

2:12

PM ET

By ESPNBoston.com

Last week, it appeared the Red Sox were leaning toward hiring Bobby Valentine as their next manager. But before they make a decision, GM Ben Cherington and the ownership group may want to read Murray Chass' scathing piece, "With this would-be manager, V is for loser."

Chass, a longtime baseball writer for The New York Times, admits that he and Valentine have a mutual dislike for one another, so that's worth keeping in mind. And yes, it's largely an opinion piece. But Chass presents some quotes from other sources, anecdotes and facts regarding Valentine's management style that makes one wonder if Fenway Park is truly the right place for him.

For example, here's a short excerpt from Chass' column:

Players might have been able to adjust to Valentine’s different game tactics, but his comments about them were another matter.

During the division playoff series against Arizona in 1999, a Sports Illustrated article quoted Valentine as criticizing his players for their September play, which took them from one game out of first to eight games out.

“You’re not dealing with real professionals in the clubhouse,” he said. “You’re not dealing with real intelligent guys for the most part. A lot can swim, but most of them just float along, looking for something to hold on to. That’s why, I’m sure, they’re having a players-only meeting. Because there’s about five guys in there right now who basically are losers, who are seeing if they can recruit.”

Can you imagine Terry Francona talking about his players that way?

Click HERE to read Chass' full piece.

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Red Sox Report

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