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.
Valentine was asked before Friday night’s game in Toronto what part of his last-place club would benefit most from some extra call-ups.
‘‘Are you kidding?’’ Valentine said. ‘‘This is the weakest roster we've ever had in September in the history of baseball. It could use help everywhere.’’
[...]
For now, Boston has only five outfielders on its roster and, with Pedroia gone, just five infielders.
‘‘We have a couple of options,’’ Valentine said. ‘‘Not a lot of them.’’
I am not sure about the weakest, I've seen worse. Plus, it is a kick in the nuts to the current players. It is the weakest we have seen in a while. Remember those lineups in the 90's? You may not, but they were awful.
The farm has produced some great talent, and we saw the success with Pawtucket. Even with the various players that have come and gone in Pawtucket, they still managed to dominate the playoffs, and win the IL crown. There will be some good talent coming up to close out the season, but it won't make a difference.
Bobby is speaking the truth, and you can't fault him for that. Well, you can fault him for the obvious shot at the talent of his players. It is hard to think this team can win a game with the lack of power in the lineup.
On Page 2, Torey Lovullo wouldn't mind replacing Bobby V next season
The future manager of the Red Sox [team stats] may very well have been strategizing in opposing colors last night.John Farrell? Try Torey Lovullo.
With Bobby Valentine’s disastrous managerial tenure drawing to a close, the Red Sox will soon begin in earnest the hunt for his replacement. There’s at least a chance that Lovullo will be on their list, just as he was last winter when they embarked on the flawed search that produced Valentine.
The 47-year-old Blue Jays first base coach has experience with the Red Sox, serving as manager at Triple-A Pawtucket in 2010. He interviewed for openings in Los Angeles and Pittsburgh, and last year with the Red Sox twice, first for the managerial opening, and then to serve as Valentine’s bench coach.
Yesterday, he spoke in general about his desire to manage in the big leagues, being careful not to single out any particular potential opening.
“It’s something I want to do,” Lovullo said. “I aspire to be a manager. I’m in no hurry to rush the process. I know it takes time. In this game, the opportunity has to line up and the timing has to be right. I feel like the past couple of years of working here with the Blue Jays and this front office, and working with these coaches and John as a manager, have taught me a lot, showed me a lot of little things that I want to pay attention to if I ever get the opportunity to interview again, and if I ever get to take the next step and become a field manager.”
Herald: Lovullo welcomes chance at Sox job
I am not sure Torey Lovullo is ready for a major league job, but his is not far away. he did an excellent job in Pawtucket and was well respected by his players. He has a great attitude and work ethic that will play well in Boston.
If Farrell is not available, I guess I would settle for Lovullo.
The rest of the links:
Globe: Pedroia remains in Boston with wife and newborn | Red Sox manager possibilities in 2013 | Valentine tweaks Red Sox roster | Matsuzaka, Sox regroup | CSNNE: Nava happy to contribute again | McAdam: Sox owners have more to gain by staying put | Youngsters lift Sox past Jays, 8-5 | Herald: Nava pens own glove story | Salty takes big strides | CC Sabathia 's health an issue with Yankees | ESPN Boston: Valentine lauds Jeter , talks AL East race | Lackey throws more BP, eyes fall league
