The Red Sox announced Thursday that they have fired manager Bobby Valentine after one season on the job. Valentine went 69-93 in his lone season for Boston after taking over for Terry Francona.
“Our 2012 season was disappointing for many reasons,” general manager Ben Cherington said in the team's press release to announce the firing. “No single issue is the reason, and no single individual is to blame. We’ve been making personnel changes since August, and we will continue to do so as we build a contending club. With an historic number of injuries, Bobby was dealt a difficult hand. He did the best he could under seriously adverse circumstances, and I am thankful to him.”
Added team president and CEO Larry Lucchino: “This year’s won-loss record reflects a season of agony. It begs for changes, some of which have already transpired. More will come. We are determined to fix that which is broken and return the Red Sox to the level of success we have experienced over the past decade.
“Difficult as it is to judge a manager amid a season that had an epidemic of injuries, we feel we need to make changes. Bobby leaves the Red Sox’ manager’s office with our respect, gratitude, and affection. I have no doubt that he will continue to contribute to the game he loves so much and knows so well.”
The news of Valentine's dismissal comes a day after the conclusion of the regular season, the third straight in which Boston has failed to make the playoffs. Valentine admitted to there being difficulty managing the team this season on Wednesday's Big Show, saying that he does not believe his staff was loyal to him and that he felt he was undermined by coaches and those around him in the organization.
Speaking to reporters prior to his last game with the Sox Wednesday, Valentine said that he had "every opportunity to succeed and didn't."
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