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ESPNBoston.com reports the Boston Red Sox have hired Bobby Valentine as their new manager. He and Gene Lamont, current Detroit Tigers third base coach were the finalist for the position.
The opening was made possible after Terry Francona and the team parted ways after going 7-20 down the stretch in September. Watching a nine-game wildcard lead disappear paving the way for the Tampa Bay Rays to make the playoffs.
Currently an ESPN analyst Valentine's last stint in the majors was from 1996-2002 at the helm of the New York Mets. He also managed the Texas Rangers and in 15 seasons he is 1117-1072 with one NL Pennant. The Mets lost to the New York Yankees in the Subway World Series back in 2000.
Valentine may not have been the first choice as the Red Sox wanted to talk to Toronto Blue Jays manager and former Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell but the Blue Jays GM Alex Anbthopoulos would have none of it. They were also interested in Dale Sveum but he was introduced as the new manger of the Chicago Cubs a couple of weeks back. A hiring made by former Red Sox president Theo Epstein who is in the same capicity with the Cubs.
The 61-year-old Valentine also managed in Japan for the Chiba Lotte Mariners were he won a title and became an icon.
The unconventional manger has been known to go against the so-called "book." Many believe that they had seen the last of Valentine in the majors.
A press conference is scheduled for later on in the week to make the announcement public.
From The Sports Mind Of RB:
I'm glad to see Bobby V got another shot in the majors. I liked him when he managed the Mets because he did a lot with a team that did not have much talent besides Mike Piazza, Edgardo Alfonso, Robin Ventura and Al Leiter. Good luck to you and I can't wait until he is seen in the dugout wearing glasses and a mustache.
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