Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine, when asked to state his case to fans that he should return to manage the Sox in 2013, expressed sympathy for those who feel disappointment in his team's season. At the same time, he declined the invitation.
"I feel bad for those fans. I don't have to make a case to them, though. I've suffered with them," Valentine said.
Asked why fans should hope for a turnaround with him at the helm if he does return to manage the Sox next year, Valentine said simply, "I'm the best man for the job." He then broke into a grin. "Was that a tough question, by the way?"
Valentine was asked whether the speculation about his job security had cost him any sleep in recent weeks.
"I haven't lost any sleep only because when I get to bed I'm worn out," Valentine said. "These games have worn me out, to tell you the truth, very often."
As for whether he thinks he'll be back in 2013, Valentine was direct.
"Why wouldn't I think it until I'm told otherwise? This is a continuous question," Valentine said. "It's like one of those things. Is something going to happen? Well, until it doesn't."
Asked if he would like an answer about his job "sooner or later," Valentine quipped, "Oh, much later -- four or five years from now, I'd say. At least."
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