InfernoOrangeSS

Welcome here. http://bit.ly/tMfwdz

It is my guess that they are going to try Bard out as the closer and if he craps the bed, then they try to trade for one during the season. Just my opinion.

I know I am in the minority, but as soon as BV's name was mentioned in the managerial search, I wanted him. I was not comfortable with some of the names that were popping up. He was sort of the best of what was offered, is how I felt. After seeing his introduction at the press conference today, I am a bit psyched to see him in the dugout next year and what he can do with this team.

Wow! This thread degenerated into a pissing contest. I am always amazed on message boards when people equate registration date/post counts with prestige/intelligence.

Just curious, and not calling anyone out...If LL has wanted Valentine forever, and BC is such a puppet, why wasn't BC told upfront that this is how you are going to conduct your manager search, etc. With Valentine one of them and ending up the manager. Isn't it possible that Sveum was the original choice after the interviews, and the Cubs just offered before the Sox were ready to offer? Once that happened, mgmt went back to square one, and MLB mgmt experience was added to the requirements? I just feel too many on here oversimplify what is going on behind the scenes. I don't know. Some of you may be right. Unlike some on this board, I am not privy to what goes on in the inner workings of the Red Sox management. :dunno: I am also curious, if that one statement doomed Valentine last time when Tito got the job...why would LL still want him this time? In any case. I am glad it is over with and I can live with Bobby V at the helm. Seems to be a good tactician.

I'll help.

Not saying you are right or wrong, but I never read anywhere that BC chose Sveum. I could be wrong. All I heard was that he came in for a follow up to his interview and wasn't offered at that time, (supposedly, since there was going to be another candidate to get a follow up interview as well.) Did I miss a story that he was the one BC chose? (Honest question.)

I have no problem with Valentine being the next manager. I think people are reading too much into the manager search. BC has been with the organization long enough to know how ownership operates. It's not like he went into this job blind. Get it done already!

Hits 3rd? I would say soon after he hits 2nd he will start windmilling...at least that was what he did in the past.

I always liked JD. I remember when he hit that grand slam against Cleveland. I remember the times that the team was struggling and it seemed like he was the only hot hitter. I know he has an extensive injury history. I just liked how he approached the game. . :dunno:

I like Jim Rice, and love to hear his commentary. I would not want him as manager.

I totally agree. I just meant I could see the Red Sox doing it if it was a contract like Beltre's. Where he gets a low cost year to prove himself. I don't like the fact of having another left handed bat added.

I could see it happening much like we did with Adrian Beltre's contract.

Me either.

I think he will have a bounce back season.

I am not too worried about it. The sting and the drama are all fresh right now. Once negotiations start, (and the new GM and manager are in place), it will be a different thing. I hope he returns. :dunno:

I think there will be some changes in the clubhouse, as to what is allowed to go on. I think the team is too talented to not make the playoffs next year, unless they give up like this year. I seen a story on FoxSports.com that mentioned Lackey, Beckett, Lester, and Bucholtz as the "beer & chicken" crew that were hinted at earlier. Supposedly, the strength and conditioning coach "begged" them to get back on their training program. I think we will be fine next year. Just my opinion.

I was hoping that was a joke or troll post. :thumbdown

I agree...that is exactly what we got when they hired Francona. I remember thinking, "What the hell? This guy was a disaster in Philadelphia, and they bring this in to replace Little?" I think a retread who has struggled in a smaller market could do well with the collection of talent the Red Sox have. As stated earlier, the job is one of the top 3 most coveted spots in all of baseball. Just my opinion.

Wouldn't you be drunk if you were waiting to hear that you are fired? Don't care one way or the other. I hate when the media or people bring up sports personalities private lives.

He was hitting .338BA, .407OBP, .549SLG...211 hits, 45 doubles, 3 triples, 27 HRs, 70 BB, and 117 RBI. You can say a lot about Gonzalez, but I don't think you can ask where was he. He had the bat taken out of his hands last night 3 times with IBBs. I agree with most of your assessment, but I think Gonzalez performed all year.

I agree with you on much of this. I think everyone right now is just upset at the horror show that was September, (and in particular the turn of events last night). I think once the WS is over and things have cooled down, people will honestly look at where you need to make improvements. I don't think you get rid of Theo. I think he did about as much at the trade deadline as he could. I would not be adverse to losing Tito. I think it is his responsibility ultimately to win. If he is kept, then I think you have to scrap some of the coaches. Bogar and Young come to mind as both needing to get their resumes updated. Maybe even the hitting coach.

The only places I have concern are: RF - Is Kalish/Reddick ready to take this for the whole year? Reddick kind of fell off the map after scouting found his weakness. SS - Not sure which direction to go with here. Is Iglesias ready to take over full time, or do we go with a FA? 3B - Can Youk last a whole season on this corner? I think Youk adds a lot to the team, but not if he spends so much time on the DL. SP - I don't think we will be able to shed Lackey...He will have to be the #5 SP. Beckett, Lester, and Buch should be set. Another good starter needs to be found, preferably an ace. Conditioning has to be better. Only lasting 5 innings is destroying what little there is in relief. Wake needs to be gone, but if he comes back in the BP, I won't cry. Just stop using him as a starter. RP - Find some reliable arms. This is really a crap shoot, because it's tough to gauge who is going to shine and who is not. C - I am not sure which way to go with this. Maybe a FA? I am fine with Papi coming back. I hate to see Drew go, but I think it's time, (I know he is not well loved here, but I still remember the Grand Slam against the Guardians.) I am certain that Crawford bounces back, and I expect Gonzalez to again be at the top of the batting statistics. (I am sure someone will come in with statistics proving me wrong. I only base this on watching about 85-90% of the games this year on TV. I am not a Bostonian, but I have lived and died with the team since 1974. These are just my opinions, and thoughts.) :dunno:

Wow, I just hope the team makes the needed improvement over the off season. I don't know who will be available on the market, but definite changes need to be made. (Yes, this is being posted because I am still in shock that a team that seemed the best in baseball couldn't win back to back games in an entire month.) I think Crawford bounces back next year. Just my opinion.