In Defense Of Bobby Valentine

I was a big Francona fan, and actually I still am, but when you're team has a historic collapse usually heads roll. I know the Julien (Bruins coach) is the other side of the coin, but decisions have been made, and I am already tired of everyone's non-stop ripping of Bobby V.

He is the exact opposite of Francona. Francona was a players coach that wouldn't talk about anything that was going on in the clubhouse, or with his players. He was a buy who padded egos. He was not about having himself in the spotlight. Bobby V loves the spotlight. He doesn't care what the players think, it's his way and that's all there is to it. If he feels like calling you out he every well might.

Now, that might seem like I am ripping Bobby V, but I'm actually not, because this could be exactly what the Red Sox need. That clubhouse was a bunch of arrogant pricks that wouldn't play hard because they knew there coach had their back. It worked for many years, but it had run it's course and just like that nice teacher we have all had, eventually people will take advantage. Bobby V will have none of that.

Schilling was on WEEI yesterday and he was saying it's not going well. We all have to remember that Schilling is also a big Francona supporter, and likes to hear himself talk. He hasn't said one good thing about the Red Sox since Franonca went out that door.

My thinking with Bobby V is the same as when they signed him. He is not going to have a long career here. I think he will eventually wear out his welcome, because you can only push so hard for so long. Yet, I think that's fine. He kicks some ass in that clubhouse now, and in 2 years they bring in that player friendly coach, because 90% of the time when you fire a coach you look for his opposite.

Let's cut Bobby V some slack. Do I like all his comments? No, but I will say this. For a guy who is supposedly all about calling guys out I have heard very little talked about Josh Beckett, who was one of the biggest story lines going into the season. I haven't heard too much about Youk being hurt again. I haven't heard to many people freaking out about Papelbon being gone. No, instead it's been the Bobby V show, and maybe that is what the players needed going into this season. In a way he has taken off the pressure. He is just doing it in a different way. Me, Me, Me worked for the Jets for a couple years, and maybe that can happen here. Like I said not long term, but for the short term Bobby V could very well be a good fit, and I think he deserves a chance, and if the clubhouse doesn't like it, well tough, because it was that same clubhouse that could've saved Francona's job last year.