The Red Sox statement announcing the firing of manager Bobby Valentine includes a quote from the deposed manager."I understand this decision," Valentine said in the statement. "This year in Boston has been an incredible experience for me, but I am as interested in the results as are ownership and the great fans of Red Sox Nation.
"It was a privilege to be part of the 100 year anniversary of Fenway Park and an honor to be in uniform with such great players and coaches. My best to the organization. I’m sure next year will be a turnaround year."
Last night, after the Sox ended their 69-93 season with a 14-2 loss to the Yankees, Valentine suggested that it was "a very disappointing season -- extremely disappointing. ... I don't know how it could be more challenging than this season."
While Valentine mentioned his sense that members of his coaching staff undermined him, and made reference at time to other organizational issues, he said on Wednesday that he had the full backing throughout his tenure of GM Ben Cherington and team owners John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino.
"I had every opportunity to succeed and didn't," said Valentine.
The 69-93 record was the worst of Valentine's career in any of his 13 full seasons as a major league manager. This was his second career last-place finish, joining his final season with the New York Mets, when a 75-86 finish also led to his dismissal.
For complete Red Sox coverage, visit weei.com/redsox [1]
Links:
[1] http://www.weei.com/redsox
[2] http://www.weei.com/category/boston/red-sox