Appearing on The Big Show on Wednesday afternoon, Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine responded to ESPN analyst Buster Olney's contention on Mut & Merloni [1] that there was discontent in the clubhouse by saying it was "absolutely ridiculous."
"He's also discontent that I wouldn't go on the show with him when he does Sunday Night Baseball and he's crying a little here because I wouldn't let him interview me in the fourth inning," Valentine said. "So, we have to understand the source here. I understand Buster. He's really a hard-working guy. He's so hard-working he's always on these talk shows that he has to make sure he's gathering information for you guys. Who gives a darn what he says about that situation?
"Why don't we hear about Kirk Gibson and how many of the players don't like him or about Jim Leyland and who's upset with Jim Leyland's pitching moves? This is absolutely ridiculous, but I think it's good drama so let's keep the ball rolling and maybe it will get Buster more air time."
Also in the interview, Valentine said that David Ortiz was "getting close" to a return, but that Ortiz hadn't started running yet. The manager also said that pitcher Andrew Bailey threw an inning on Wednesday and would likely throw again in the next few days.
To hear the interview, go to The Big Show audio on demand page [2]. For more Red Sox news, visit the team page at weei.com/redsox [3].
Links:
[1] http://audio.weei.com/a/60150718/buster-olney-enormous-problem-with-red-sox.htm
[2] http://audio.weei.com/a/60208247/bobby-valentine-don-t-waste-your-time-listening-to-what-outsiders-say-about-our-clubhouse.htm
[3] http://www.weei.com/teams/red-sox/home
[4] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/red-sox