Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
general manager Ben Cherington, responding to last week's firestorm set off by Bobby Valentine when he accused an unnamed player of going to management to complain about Valentine's treatment of rookie Will Middlebrooks, rejected the characterization of players "running up the back stairs."
Management encourages players to come to them with their concerns, Cherington said. He also said players have a clear understanding of their accountability.
"I've talked to players plenty this year," Cherington said. "It's no different than any other year. I think, occasionally, it's appropriate for ownership to talk to the players. They have a lot at stake here and they should do that. I don't see it as different as any other year and no players are running up the back stairs.
"I've had conversations with players in the open light of the clubhouse, I've had conversations on the phone, just like any other year. The content of those conversations will be private, but I will tell you that they've been constructive. They've been focused on what's been going on out here and trying to get this better."
ESPN Boston: GM: Sox aren't 'running up the back stairs'
I don't know about you, but I am ready for this story to be squashed. If what Ben is saying is in fact true, then Middlebrooks didn't make an effort to go upstairs to visit with ownership to complain about Valentine. Ownership makes frequent visits with the players, and Middlebrooks briefly mentioned his tough game with Valentine's comment and it was blown out of proportion. That is what Ben is hinting at and the ideal situation.
That should be the end of this ridiculous situation.
Management and Ownership have also stated that they are not planning on firing Bobby Valentine in the near future. That pretty much sums up the many proceeding links about it.
On Page 2, Ortiz has injection in Achilles
“I can’t feel my foot right now,” Ortiz said after the Red Sox win over the Rangers. “That means I feel good.”
Ortiz said he expected the numbness to last “for six to eight hours, but it’s supposed to get things better. It hurt [really bad].”
Ortiz, who was eligible to come off the DL Aug. 1, is still not sure when he might be activated.
“I guess I got to give it a couple of days to see what the reaction will be like and go from there,” he said.
He said he expects he will not do baseball activities for the next few days, giving the injury and the injection some time to calm down.
“I don’t think I’m doing anything for the next couple of days,” he said. “I don’t know. I haven’t been told anything. Just got to wait.”
Asked if he might play in the four-game series in Cleveland beginning Thursday, Ortiz replied:
“Hopefully.”
CSNNE: Ortiz receives injection of pain killer in Achilles
Well, boys and girls, say goodbye to the big-hitting Ortiz for the rest of the season. Or at least most of it. Achilles injuries are not quick healers and with 7 weeks left, there is not much hope for an impactful return for Ortiz.
The situation is being downplayed and if his return comes too soon, it could be a long-term issue. Ortiz may have 2, possibly 3 good seasons left in him, and it can all depend on how this injury is treated. Rushing back may not be the best help for the Red Sox.
Related: Globe: Ortiz opts for injection | ESPN Boston: Ortiz gets injection in ailing Achilles
The rest of the links:
Herald: Carl Crawford, Adrian Gonzalez remain hot at plate | Aaron Cook makes pitch to stay in rotation | Sox get behind manager, beat Rangers | Justin Verlander whiffs 14 as Tigers drub Yankees | Globe: Red Sox owner voices support for manager Valentine | Double feature | Valentine appreciates vote of confidence from Sox ownership | ESPN Boston: Sox flip script in rout of Rangers | Sox owner Henry supports Valentine | Help us slice the Red Sox blame pie | CSNNE: Top Sox hitters lock on, but still lacking consistency | Sox players back their embattled manager | Cook does hit part, lets fielders do rest | Tanguay: Accountability still an issue with owners | WEEI: Ben Cherington: 'Bobby [Valentine] is our manager and we're not considering anyone else'
