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.
Is Bobby Valentine's time with the Red Sox at an end?
With the team in tatters on the West Coast -- six straight losses, outscored in the six games by an astounding 54-15 -- the Boston Herald's Michael Silverman reported Monday morning that owner John Henry and general manager Ben Cherington have flown to Seattle, where the Sox will begin a three-game series against the Mariners today.
Silverman -- noting that "indications grew [Sunday] night that the owners have become increasingly frustrated with the team's shoddy performance of late and want to try to salvage something positive before the season ends" -- writes that "[anything] is possible [when Henry and Cherington meet with the club], from the dismissal of manager Bobby Valentine to something as simple as just wanting to show support to Valentine and a team that is crumbling before everyone's eyes."
CSNNE: Valentine's Day at end? Henry, Cherington fly to Seattle
Bobby V may get the axe today and you can already hear the cheers from those that couldn't stand him ever since Larry Lucchino trumped Ben Cherington the front office brought him in to manage the team. This is a team that is 2-6 since the Adrian Gonzalez trade, and the team is looking more and more like the Opening Day roster of the Pawtucket Red Sox. Surely, people who think about it would know that the on the field results would take a hit.
The pre-reset Red Sox underperformed what the money that they were shelled out, still could float around .500 because they still were really talented. The team we're seeing being put out there has potential but the growing pains will continue. Also consider the fact that the team is without it's best hitter (Ortiz), best prospect (Middlebrooks) AND THEN the best player left is struggling through a bum wrist (Ellsbury) losing six straight to two hot teams is going to happen.
So if the speculation is true and the front office decides to let Valentine go today because they're not thrilled with how the team has played well... did they expect anything different? After giving Bobby Valentine a chance to do his job, they have to decided that it's not working a week later. How is that fair to him?
This isn't just a Bobby Valentine defense but a defense of anyone who hasn't gotten a fair chance to do their job. He's dealt with prima donnas who would mock him and complain to upper management about not being babied for much of the year. This is just another brutal mis-management by the front office. They basically paid Bobby Valentine $4 million to be a place holder. If they want to let him go after the season fine, but let's face reality: who would want to come in and deal with this team? I haven't heard of a name ti replace Valentine that has made any sense. The best person for the job might be the one that is in the dugout now. If they let him do his job, they might actually see it.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Sox get swept again | Pedroia not second-rate | Boat of skipper taking water | Herald:Ownership displeased | Tough times for Pedey | Sox bottoming out | Dice-K lets himself, bullpen down | CSNNE: Not pitching in | Sox swept once again | Wrist keeps Ellsbury out, Ciriaco starts in LF | WEEI: Time to make the move | Sox hit new low, complete sweep
