Bobby Valentine, the colorful former manager of the Texas Rangers and the New York Mets - not to mention the Chiba Lotte Marines in Japan - reportedly has reached a verbal agreement to become the new manager of the Boston Red Sox, replacing Terry Francona.
The New York Times frames the hiring this way:
“Valentine, who in six years managing the Mets taunted the Yankees and stoked a rivalry from across town, now will do so from Fenway Park. And he will do so with an expensive, talented team that many predicted would win the World Series last season before it collapsed in historic fashion.
“The possibility of his managing the Red Sox was hardly considered a month ago, when the Red Sox were examining candidates who did not have Valentine’s experience or charisma. But with the team in a state of upheaval, it was decided a more seasoned and engaging personality was required.”
The New York Times frames the hiring this way:
“Valentine, who in six years managing the Mets taunted the Yankees and stoked a rivalry from across town, now will do so from Fenway Park. And he will do so with an expensive, talented team that many predicted would win the World Series last season before it collapsed in historic fashion.
“The possibility of his managing the Red Sox was hardly considered a month ago, when the Red Sox were examining candidates who did not have Valentine’s experience or charisma. But with the team in a state of upheaval, it was decided a more seasoned and engaging personality was required.”
- KC's View:
- The American League East just got a lot more interesting. And fun.
