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.
ESPN analyst and former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, in an appearance
on WEEI on Thursday morning, said he's shocked that Bobby Valentine is
still managing the Red Sox and that he feels bad for him.
"I can't believe he's still here, on both parts," Schilling said. "I
can't believe he hasn't walked away. I promise you, and I was saying
this the other night, I don't care what he's making right now, is it not
clear right now that he's one of the most miserable human beings in the
world? And I feel horrible for him."
Schilling, who was one of the first to criticize the Valentine
hiring, added that the Red Sox manager hasn't done much to help his
cause in Boston. He pointed to Valentine's outburst on WEEI on Wednesday about the report that he arrived later than usual to the ballpark before last Saturday's game in Oakland.
"I don't get it," said Schilling. "That's a situation that could
have been over. He made into 100 times a bigger deal than it should have
been. That's the stuff that confuses me because that keeps everything
going."
ESPN - Schilling: Valentine's clearly miserable
There's no real Red Sox news this morning apart from the same 'fire Valentine' conversations we've been having for days now.
If I'm running the Red Sox, I don't let him go. They have what, 24 games left? Just play it out and regroup this winter. If the players don't like it, too bad. Should've done something other than be terrible this season and we wouldn't be in this situation. If Valentine doesn't like it? Well, he can always quit.
Sure, if they let Valentine go there will be one less black cloud hanging over Fenway, but it will also be the second coach they've fired this year before the coach even had a chance to finish out their first season. That doesn't exactly encourage other coaches from around the league to leave their current posts to join the Sox.
There's truly nothing to gain by firing Valentine. Everyone knows he won't be back next year, and this is probably his last stop on the MLB managerial circuit. So give the man the option to go out with a little dignity and finish out the year.
Whether he chooses to have dignity, or continue going around making clown shows, well, that's his choice. Don't make it for him.
Rest of the links:
Herald - Sox smolder to end of lost year | Red Sox may again go seek John Farrell | CSNNE -Mullen on the Minors: Brentz adjusting to Triple-A after promotion | Globe -Andrew Bailey wonders what might have been with Red Sox | Kalish eager to return to old form | WEEI - Is the media too tough on Bobby Valentine? | Verducci: Valentine won't go quietly
