Report: Red Sox to fire Valentine
The Boston Red Sox intend to dismiss Bobby Valentine after the season, according to a CBSSports.com report.
Valentine could be let go as early as Thursday. Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington declined to comment on the situation, according to the report.
Earlier Wednesday, Valentine told reporters that he "had every opportunity to succeed and didn't. He also told Boston sports radio station WEEI that he felt he was undermined at times by some of his coaches.
On the radio show, Valentine answered "No" to a question about whether the coaching staff and the people around him have been loyal. He then answered, "Yes" to a follow-up as to whether he felt undermined by members of his coaching staff.
"I had to work through it all," Valentine told WEEI. "Just another thing that's part and parcel with the job. Work though it and try to make it better. That's my job to make it all better, make it all functional."
Early reports indicated disconnects between Valentine and his coaches, including pitching coach Bob McClure, who was fired in August, bullpen coach Gary Tuck and bench coach Tim Bogar.
"This year, I didn't think it was all for one, one for all," Valentine said before Wednesday's game when asked about the WEEI comments.
Valentine has one more season on his contract. Team officials have said they will evaluate his performance after this season. The last-place Red Sox will finish with more than 90 losses for the first time since 1966.
Valentine said he doesn't regret accepting the Red Sox job.
"No, it's a great life experience," he said Wednesday. "It wasn't always an enjoyable experience, but one I'll look back on and learn from."
Valentine said one of the things he would change would be critical comments he made regarding third baseman Kevin Youkilis in April. Valentine said he was surprised by the reaction the comments received, and Youkilis ultimately was traded to the Chicago White Sox.
"I thought people would be ... I didn't expect that reaction," Valentine said.
