The idea of the Boston Red Sox hiring Bobby Valentine to be their next manager is an interesting one to say the least. Not having been a manager in the big leagues in almost ten years could be a negative but there is still some positives I see.
Valentine has gotten the most out of the players he has managed in the past with the New York Mets. Joel Sherman of the New York Post made a valid point on Tuesday by mentioning that Valentine got the most out of Benny Agbayani, Derek Bell and Timo Perez back in 2000, the year they went to the World Series. None of those players were ever superstars but certainly helped the Mets that year.
The interesting angle to this is that Valentine has a very strong personality and you have to wonder how the current Red Sox players will transition to it. I am a stronger believer that guys like Adrian Gonzalez and Dustin Pedroia will have no problem with it since they are good leaders. Does his personality mean that some other changes in the clubhouse will occur? There was mention that Jason Varitek and Tim Wakefield may not fit in well with Valentine coming on board but he could have a impact on the younger players and spark them.
Valentine's team's have never finished in first place but that doesn't mean the Red Sox can't be an improved club next year. GM Ben Cherington and ownership will have to determine which players via trade and free agency will best fit in with the 2012 team. Does adding a guy like Michael Cuddyer, who is known as a strong clubhouse guy help the team chemistry? It seems like a realistic assumption to believe. Which other players could also improve the clubhouse? Time will tell.
With all being said, I do believe Valentine will try hard to motivate and get the most out of the players next season but the team needs to find its identity early on in spring training and in April in order to have a successful year.
Feel free to post your thoughts as well.
ReplyDelete