Posts Tagged ‘boston’
Valentine’s day in Boston, but not everybody’s in love with the new manager
At a press conference today, Bobby Valentine was introduced as the new manager of the Boston Red Sox. The 61-year-old has previously managed of the Rangers, Mets and in Japan. Most recently he worked as an analyst for ESPN. Team President Larry Lucchino has seemingly been sold on the prospect of Valentine for some time, others aren’t as sure.
Reports have surfaced that several Red Sox players weren’t pleased about the Valentine selection. Having been told by General Manager Ben Cherrington that Valentine was not a candidate, they are said to feel lied to and disappointed by the front office.
Unfortunately, members of the front office might be disappointed with the choice as well. Although he praised Valentine at the press conference, Cherrington was believed to want to hire Gene Lamont. The fact that the decision was made in spite of the wishes of the general manager may signify tension within the upper ranks of the team. In Lamont, Cherrington would have someone that would cater to his wishes. Valentine, however is known to clash with executives, never more apparent then during his time in New York.
The widely speculated deal that would send New Orleans Point Guard Chris Paul to Boston for Rajon Rondo has hit a snag that may kill the trade altogether. Paul, who has spent his entire career with the Hornets, appears unwilling to sign a long-term extension in Boston.
This would not be the only issue, as New Orleans is believed to want more than just Rondo in return. Boston had been looking to get a third team involved in negotiations but it now appears the price-tag is too high for just a one-year rental. Paul is a free-agent after the upcoming season; and most believe it is his desire to join Carmelo Anthony in New York.
This story, if true, serves as proof that even with a new CBA, the NBA players still hold way too much power. While I’m extremely happy that max contracts are no longer allowed in sign and trade deals, players continue to hold teams hostage until they cater to their demands. Last year it was Anthony in Denver; this year the drama will surround and engulf the New Orleans Hornets.
We are right in the middle of an exciting World Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and Texas Rangers with their 2 aces matching up against each other tonight. But that’s not all that’s happening in the baseball world.
In a time that is supposed to be reserved for the two teams that are still actually playing, many other names are popping up in the headlines. Today. the Philadelphia Phillies declined their options on pitchers Brad Lidge and Roy Oswald, adding marquee names to a thin pitching market. Prince Fielder all but said goodbye to the Brewers in a press conference following their NLCS series loss. People can’t help but speculate about C.C. Sabathia and the uncertainty surrounding the Yankees pitching staff.
But the teams grabbing the most headlines are the Chicago Cubs and Boston Red Sox. In a move that has long been speculated, former Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein left the Bosox for the Chicago Cubs. If you are questioning why the youngest GM in baseball history would leave his hometown team for the lowly Cubs, there are plenty of reasons.