Bobby Valentine, Gene Lamont short-listed for managerial role at Boston Red Sox – MLB Update
It is now only a matter of time before the management of Boston Red Sox officially unveil one of Gene Lamont or Bobby Valentine as manager of the ballclub for the next season. The position, which has been vacant after Terry Francona’s abrupt resignation
at the end of this past season, has been the centre of attention for the most part of this offseason, primarily due to the management’s desire of naming the most suitable candidate for the job.
In the aftermath of Boston’s humiliating exit on the last day of the season, there were a few intriguing allegations on the team that led to Francona’s exit. It was claimed that a few members of the rotation were involved in drinking activities in the dugout
during games which they were not a part of. However, this raised questions on Terry’s abilities to maintain discipline in the dugout and thus his decision to resign.
Team owner John Henry and general manager Ben Cherington have since voiced their aim of hiring a manager who is charismatic and has high values for discipline. Valentine’s name was the forerunner for the job, primarily due to his 15-year managerial experience
with the likes of New York Mets and Texas Rangers. He gained fame during his tenure with the Mets, guiding them to the Fall Classic and changing the outlook of the franchise. This is exactly what the Red Sox want, an overhaul to the culture of the ballclub.
Boston’s roster is talented enough to dominate the American League in 2012, but an able manager is the need of the hour to nurture the raw talent into a winning combination. An inexperienced manager would not have been a suitable option, solely because of
the time it would have taken for him to get into the groove.
After his interview with the management of Boston at Fenway Park, Valentine said, "Well, other than they have one of the best teams in baseball, one of the best organizations in baseball, one of the greatest places and venues in baseball, with a great, now,
winning tradition over the last 10 years, other than that, there's really no reason that I want to be here."
Rest assured, both candidates are talented enough and it will be interesting to see the management’s choice.
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