Boston Red Sox Bobby Valentine willing to bring Bill Buckner as hitting coach – MLB News
With an ambition to bring back the club to a winning track in 2012 season, Bobby Valentine has given a hint to bring his ex-fellow Bill Buckner as the Boston Red Sox hitting coach.
During his introductory press conference at Fenway Park in Boston, Valentine replied to insisted questions of reporters, he has considered Buckner as the next hitting coach for the Red Sox. Valentine and Buckner have a long-term relationship, as both shared
same college room and also played together in the Los Angeles Dodgers.
"He's been a friend for years," explained Valentine. "We played together with the Dodgers. We played together in the Dominican Republic. I've watched his kids grow up and I respect his every opinion in baseball and in worldly matters.”
The decision however has not been finalised, as Valentine said, both he and Cherington, the Red Sox general manager, will take a mutual decision. However, according to some familiar with the situation, Cherington will not have any issue about Valentine’s
choice.
Buckner was the first baseman for the Boston Red Sox from 1984 to 87 and then in 1990. He was popular for his brilliant hitting as he posted 2715 hits during his 21-year career, but what he did in 1986 was the most controversial moment of his life. In Game
6 of the World Series in 1986, Buckner made an error, which provided the New York Mets room to come from behind and take the crown. It put the Red Sox into such a miserable state that it took the club 18 years to remove the stains of this loss. Red Sox won
the World Series in 2004 and ended their 86-year Championship drought.
Valentine is aware of the degrading reputation in the last year, but he still provided hope, saying the club is looking forward and heading towards a new season and a new time.
During his tenure as an analyst with a major sports channel, Valentine got in depth knowledge of the game, he was especially critical for the Boston Red Sox pitcher Josh Beckett and left fielder Carl Crawford.
However, the situation has changed. Valentine will be sitting in the camp for one-on-one conversations with both of these players. It will allow him to understand the player better in terms of their weakness and strengths.
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