Posts Tagged ‘espn’
Kevin Youkilis has long embodied the very essence of the Boston Red Sox. An underdog, a fighter; these are the things that spring to mind when you hear his name. As of yesterday, he is a member of the BoSox no longer, having been traded to Chicago and the AL Central-leading White Sox.
His tenure in Beantown ended in storybook fashion: a triple, followed by a curtain call and a standing ovation from the Fenway faithful. In the seventh inning manager Bobby Valentine was informed of the trade, and that marked the last inning for Youkilis. He was dealt to the ChiSox in exchange for utility-man Brent Lillibridge and pitcher Zach Stewart.
It didn’t have to end this way.
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.
A move that everyone has known about for some time has finally become official. Yesterday, as has been widely speculated, Ohio State announced that Urban Meyer will be their next football coach.
What Meyer brings to the table is an incredible winning pedigree, In his career thus far he has two national championships and a coach of the year title. He also became one of only three coaches in history to win at least 100 games in his first ten years. His record is a staggering 104-23 and is 7-1 in bowl games.
After a year away from the game, the 47-year old Meyer returns to the program where his coaching career began. A native of Ashtabula, Ohio; he grew up as a fan of the Buckeyes. Meyer got his first sideline experience as a Graduate Assistant in 1986, under Earle Bruce. His coaching idol is famed Buckeye coach Woody Hayes, and he has referred to his new position as his dream job.