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Your Morning Dump... Where Cherington backtracks

Don't get too comfortable in this.

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.

Reached by the Globe Thursday afternoon, Cherington said he did not mean to suggest Bobby Valentine’s firing was imminent.

“I honestly meant it very literally, like we would like to spend less time on it,” Cherington said. “That could mean one day, that could mean no days. In my mind, it was nothing to do with Bobby or a decision about him, but I guess people are taking it the wrong way and if I need to clarify it, I’ll clarify it.”

Asked if he felt compelled clarify the remark, Cherington replied, “I mean, the only thing I can clarify is to tell you that I meant it in the most literal sense possible. We’d like to focus less of our offseason on who the manager is. I don’t think that has anything to do with Bobby Valentine. It has to do with how we’re allocating our time.

“As Larry [Lucchino, the team president] has stated many times, and as ownership has stated many times, Bobby is managing the team and we’ll meet after the season.”

Globe -Ben Cherington says comment didn’t mean Valentine firing was imminent

After reading those quotes above, at least one thing is clear: Ben Cherington would make for a terrible presidential candidate.  Not convincing whatsoever.

Yesterday, as Nick mentioned, hearing Cherington say what he originally said - that the Sox would be spending time this offseason on their managerial search - was certainly not shocking.  Not to you.  Not to me.  Most likely not to Bobby Valentine, either.  It even gave a glimmer of hope to Sox fans desperate to put this season, and the Bobby Valentine era, in the rearview mirror.

So what does the Sox brass expect us to do now?  Pretend like we don't know that Valentine is going to be fired as quickly as possible?  That his desk isn't probably already cleared off?  You let the cat out of the bag - a cat that everybody knew was in the bag, if I'm using that old-timey phrase properly.  Might as well run with it.  Now you just look silly, and we're all left rolling our eyes at you.  Again.

On a side note, I've been spending some time thinking about the 2013 Red Sox.  While we have absolutely no idea what that roster is going to look like, it's probably safe to say they won't go handing out $150 million contracts to every free agent that wants one this winter.  We're going to have some young guys, and a few others with a bit to prove.  And, as silly as it may sound, Valentine is probably well-suited to manage that team.  Much more so than he was the team the Sox fielded this season. 

But there is no turning back on 2012 now.  Regardless of the nonsense Ben desperately tries to spin.

Rest of the links:

Herald - Sox switch in works? | It adds up to disaster | Globe - Varitek named assistant to the GM | Winning players in a lost Red Sox season | Making the most of it |Ortiz: Red Sox need to re-embrace the '04 approach | WEEI -In search of Mike Aviles: What to make of the shortstop's lot in life | Report: Francona has contact with Indians | ESPN - Keith Foulke catches up

Cherington indirectly confirms Valentine will be out

Ben Cherington was on the D&C show on WEEI this morning and discussed the state of the Red Sox and future plans. Without directly saying it, although he might as well have, Cherington indicated Bobby Valentine will not be the Red Sox manager next season.

Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington was a guest of the Dennis & Callahan show on Thursday morning. Understading Cherington wouldn't specifically address if manger Bobby Valentine would return in 2013, Gerry Callahan asked if Cherington would move quickly should the decison be made to fire Valentine.

"I'd always rather get the decision right rather than rush it," Cherington said. "But I think that what we know we need to do is hit the ground running in this offseason. One of the things, as I look back at last offseason, that didn't go perfectly was simply the amount of time that we spent on the manager search and what that did to the rest of the offseason. I would like to spend less time on it this offseason, that's for sure."

There it is. He would like to spend less time on the manager search this offseason. I would say it is a pretty solid statement that we will see the last of  Valentine after the New York series.

Does this come as a shock to anyone? If it does, Ben will come over and hit you over the head with a hammer.

It should be a cause for celebration. I'm glad someone said it without saying it. Something to look forward to next season, no Bobby V.

Your Morning Dump... where Bobby knows he's gone.

 

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.

“I have the gas masks,” he said. “I could handle the chemical weapons. The bullets penetrated but they didn’t kill me. What did I learn about myself? I’m almost a year older, I know that and it’s gone quickly.”

 

Rumors and speculation have run rampant that he will be fired after the season concludes, Wednesday in New York. Valentine, though, does not  believe that. He hasn’t thought that today could be his last day at Fenway Park as the Sox manager.

 

“I don’t think so, no,” he said. “And if it is, I’d like to thank you all, or at least most of you, for your professionalism this year and your willingness to put up with all the stuff that goes on on a day-to-day basis and wish you all great health to you and your families. Enjoy. Because it is the last [home] day this year.”

CSNNE: Bobby Valentine 'I think I'm coming back'

There's no way you can believe what you're saying right Bobby? Otherwise, your last pregame press conference at Fenway wouldn't have sounded like an exit interview. 

But for one more time, Bobby managed to give one hell of a quote to leave on, a little reminiscent of an old  Kevin Garnett quote.

It's great to think that Bobby has withstood the attack. Everything around him is in ruins but he's still standing, until Larry Lucchino comes and stabs him in the back. Someone has to fall on the sword for this bad season and Lucchino will never take the blame for making a bad decision and Bobby Valentine is the odd man out. Even if they never gave Valentine a legitimate chance to do something.

Maybe in 2013 that will change. Valentine won't be around to find out which would be a sour end to the man's career. Damn shame.

Globe: Valentine's final thoughts? | Sox announce all- Fenway team | Rays 4, Sox 2 | Herald: Sox lineup includes Yaz, Rocket | A Fenway finale but same Bobby V | Varitek close to rejoining club | Yaz on Triple Crown: Somebody's got to do it | CSNNE: Sox drop home finale to Rays | Valentine: I "think I'm coming back" | It could be a Field of Dreams again | Red Sox pitchers tie season high with 14 strikeouts | WEEI: Lester explains '12 | Manager search could change

Your Morning Dump...Where Valentine explains himself...again

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.

"The other day, when I made a comment about the September roster,'' said Valentine, "that wasn't meant to be a criticism of any players or anyone in the organization. It was just a statement of fact because of the injuries and our Triple A team being in the playoffs.
    
"This is different. We have less people than most September rosters. We have less positions filled than any September roster I've ever seen. If anybody thought that to be anything other than a statement than what it was...I stand corrected on that.
    
"Usually, a September roster has some starting pitcher who is waiting in the wings. Ours doesn't. Usually a September roster has a couple of lefthanded pinch-hitter types or pinch runners. Five or six outfielders. (We have) four outfielders. It's not like a September roster.''

CSNNE: Valentine clarifies 'weakest roster' comments

Okay. I can believe that to an extent. Most other teams have a lot of their minor leaguers up and part of their expanded rosters, which gives them more depth. There were other teams in the playoffs in the minors and I didn't hear their managers calling their rosters the weakest ever.

Even though the depth isn't what it should be yet, there are still guys a part of the 25-man roster that are there doing their jobs and they are called weak.

Instead of calling them weak, maybe a word like "thin" could have played out a little better. Just another controversial comment to add to the inevitable book.

Related: Herald: Bobby Valentine tries to explain 'weakest roster' remark | ESPN Boston: Valentine clarifies 'weakest roster' comment | Globe: Valentine clarifies 'weakest roster' remark

On Page 2, What was the deal with Valentine's decision to pinch-hit for Iglesias mid at-bat?

Your Late Morning Dump...This is the weakest September roster ever

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.’’

Globe: Bobby V: BoSox roster in September 'weakest' ever

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.

Related: Herald: Bobby Valentine: Call-ups necessary | ESPN Boston: Bobby V decries lack of talent on roster 

On Page 2, Torey Lovullo wouldn't mind replacing Bobby V next season

Recap: Late rally not enough as Yanks top Sox

The Red Sox couldn't make it back-to-back walkoffs as New York topped Boston 5-4.

It did get interesting in the 9th, however. Down two, Jarrod Saltalamacchia launched a solo homer off Rafael Soriano. Soriano composed himself for two straight outs, but then made an error to allow Mike Aviles to reach base, bringing up Jacoby Ellsbury for a potential spot as hero on consecutive nights. Ellsbury couldn't make it happen, grounding out to the pitcher.

It was a weird game from beginning to end. The game was flying along in the early innings (how often does that happen with these two teams?) as David Phelps and Aaron Cook managed to keep pitch counts down and batters put away. Things got away from Cook in the 4th, as the Yankees suddenly realized they were, you know, facing Aaron Cook. Seemingly every ball in the inning (even the outs) was struck well in the 4th, including a pair of home runs by Curtis Granderson and Robinson Cano.

In more weird news, a number of players exited early. Derek Jeter left due to an injury; Dustin Pedroia because his wife was in labor. Then in the 9th, Cody Ross went nuts on a relatively innocuous strike call (I've seen worse), and got ejected, followed by Bobby Valentine and Jerry Royster, leading to Tim Bogar to manage and coach third at the same time. How Little League.

And for all the talk that Valentine doesn't care, it's worth pointing out that his ejection was his sixth on the year, a club record. Bobby Valentine, a manager with an eye on history.

Box score | Image: @Toucherandrich

Your Morning Dump... Where Schilling weighs in on Valentine

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

Bobby V outraged over media coverage of his performance

Sports Illustrated cover boy Bobby Valentine exploded in his weekly radio interview with WEEI's The Big Show today. Glenn Ordway asked him about the public perception that he's given up on the team, citing his being late to the park for a game last week. Valentine lost it:

"What an embarrassing thing to say. If I were there right now, I'd punch you right in the mouth. Ha, ha. How's that sound? Is that like I checked out? What an embarrassing thing," said Valentine. "Why would somebody even, that's stuff that a comic strip person would write. If someone's here, watching me go out at 2 o'clock in the afternoon, watching me put in the right relief pitchers to get a win, putting on a hit-and-run when it was necessary, talking to the guys after the game in the food room -- how could someone in real life say that?"

His reaction to a follow-up related to his late arrival (at approximately 4:19 pm for a 7:10 pm game) for a game on Saturday night, when he was picking up his son from the airport, was even more vehement.

"I shouldn't have to explain that. That pisses me off. Whoever wrote that knew what happened. They knew that my son was coming to see me for the first time in this lousy season and that I got to see him on the road, and that his flight was late, and that I was waiting at the airport in San Francisco for his flight  to come in, and that I sent the lineup in and reported to my coaches that I was going to be a little late," said Valentine. "For someone to say that I was late is an absolute disgrace to their integrity if they have any."

Oof. Ordway and Valentine eventually got on the same page and Bobby calmed down a bit, but it was still a pretty wild interview. I highly encourage you to give it a listen, or at least read WEEI.com's blog post with selected quotes. 

Valentine was frustrated with the perception that he's checked out, and indicated that he's been taken out of context with several of his quotes. For instance, when Ordway asked him about his "What difference does it make?" comment as to his feelings toward the team's recent losing streak, he responded that what he meant was that his feelings don't matter -- what matters is that the players are in the right frame of mind for the games going forward.

He didn't sound like a man in love with his job. He didn't equivocally say "I want to manage this team next year," he hedged it around something he'd do if asked to do it.

He sounds tired. Not that we didn't already know that. I've said it before and I'll say it again: Bobby V isn't the problem, but he's not the solution either. He's not doing a good enough job to warrant another chance, and the team needs to give this job to somebody earlier in their career that can better handle the media and time demands of the job.

Your Labor Day Dump...where Bobby V may have worked his last day

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

Your Morning Dump...Where the Aceves/Pedroia dispute is none of our business

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.

"When you are not playing well that stuff happens," Ross said after the Red Sox lost their fifth straight, 7-1, to the A's. "It would be worse if stuff didn't happen, if we were just sitting back and letting it. When you aren't playing well, guys get upset and it happens."

What happened exactly? That was difficult to ascertain because Aceves and Pedroia both chose to say little about it, and manager Bobby Valentine didn't share much more.

"I'm not sure it was a big flare-up," Valentine said. "It was about positioning. Dustin said when he gets the sign he moves and Alfredo wanted to move him on his own. It's Alfredo being Alfredo and Dustin being a baseball player."

After Aceves pitched the fourth inning, he and Pedroia were caught on camera in a heated discussion, one that required the intervention of third-base coach Jerry Royster. Valentine tried to intercede but Aceves waved him away.

Aceves had made a few pickoff throws to second, and they seemed to catch Pedroia off guard, because he was not on the bag when the throws came.

In the clubhouse after the game, Pedroia was tight-lipped about the incident when reporters questioned him.

"That's none of your guys' business," he said. "It's between teammates."

ESPN Boston: Pedroia, Aceves downplay dugout dispute

In case you missed it, the Sox lost again, Pedey and Aceves had a little verbal argument in the dugout because of a few unnecessary pick-off attempts at second. And it is none of our business! I don't care.

The bigger story is the Sox lost again and the train wreck continues to burn. The team has such a terrible vibe surrounding them that the disputes among the players may become more common.

If you like to watch the young prospects get some playing time, the final month of the season will be for you. Jarrod Saltalamacchia is also 4 homers away from breaking Carlton Fisk's Red Sox record for home runs by a catcher (26). He'll probably strikeout 20 times before he breaks the record, but he'll get there.

Related: Herald: Latest loss features dugout spat | CSNNE: Sox show fight - among themselves | Globe: Another loss for the bickering Red Sox

On Page 2, Bobby Valentine is very optimistic about September.