Photo: Michael Ivins/Red Sox
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.
He is a “new” owner no more. He can take questions from the carnivorous Boston media without help from ubiquitous wingmen Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino. He no longer wears the Curious George Man-In-The-Yellow-Hat lid when he walks around the Sox spring training site. He has a newborn son to go with his two daughters and he still thinks owning the Red Sox is a swell gig.John Henry says he doesn’t want to sell the Red Sox. He pledged that he will not sell the team this year.
“Tom and I have made a lot of money over the years,’’ said Henry. “That doesn’t drive us. . . . But quality of our lives is what drives us, and our competitive spirit. We’re determined to be successful. From Day One here, that hasn’t changed. The value of these assets is just something we don’t think in terms of.
“I’ve said it categorically [we won’t sell the team], so yes.’’
Globe - John Henry finally has answers
It has been almost a year since we've seen Henry speak to the media. Given the atrocious 2012 season, it was relieving to see Henry actually appear and show his compassion for the Red Sox franchise.
From Bobby Valentine, to selling the team, to Liverpool, to the team's philosophy, Henry came out and addressed almost every issue. I give him credit for that, but it's been far too long since Red Sox Nation has heard from him.
But then...he said this:
"It’s ludicrous to say that we signed any player since we’ve been here for PR purposes. I don’t think anybody would assume that. It’s just ludicrous.’’
Let's get real here Mr. Henry. Your ex-manager and ex-GM came out and said that ownership wanted to create more buzz around the team. The trio of Werner, Lucchino, and Henry ultimately decided that NESN ratings needed a boost and thus signed some "sexy" free-agents. The more you deny, the more you come off looking like a fool. You've been had. Time to fess up.
But to Henry's credit, he did admit that they shifted their philosophy and strayed from continuing to build a core group within. I guess that's as close as we'll get to admitting about the marketing push.
My assessment for his silence? I honestly think he was merely exploring his options last year and that he in fact was gauging a selling price for the Red Sox. Henry took some time to assess his situation and he ultimately decided he'd like to stay and right the ship. We will see this ownership group for more years to come.
Overall, Henry comes off as the most "human" out of the trio. This franchise needs a voice like that and Henry can provide that. I'd love to see and hear from him more. I think he realizes that as well.
WEEI.com: The blueprint: Defining the path to the 'next great Red Sox team' | Herald: John Henry refutes bad image with his Sox | Globe: Red Sox will focus on base running | Globe: Red Sox will slow down Craig Breslow and Felix Doubront
