First moves Bobby Valentino

Why ignoring reputations and focusing on the task at hand is the best way-and perhaps the only way they can do all this mix of working together. There will be a tremendous amount of talent in the room, and all-by Josh Beckett to Bobby Valentino to Jon Lester to Larry Lucchino-have the opportunity to bury the past, to succeed despite what is said about them.

As Valentine's day has emerged as a managerial candidate, some players Red Sox were upset; you have been complaints, through texts and phone calls. Maybe it's because they heard Bobby criticism of their game on the air. Perhaps they did not want his tone. Perhaps they did not want his smile. Maybe they heard bad things. And the fact it has not had any power to do anything, because the September collapse completely undermine the credibility of the Red Sox players. If one of them had called the front office to register concerns Valentine, they might have heard laughing on the other end of the line. Boston players had complete control of the clubhouse in 2011, and we know what happened.

Well, players should not forget that the story about their preconceived notions of Valentine's day and focus on this: Bobby Valentine really cares about baseball; He really wants to win. He will be in every step of every inning of every game of every week of every month of the season. He sees everything.

If you gave a try to all people in the sport on all aspects of the game, I would say that he could score as high or better than anyone else currently in uniform-about how the sport is played, because it is played, as it needs to be played, what makes hitters succeed, what makes pitchers succeed and the proper way for infielders to prepare for a game and make a game. He will protect relievers from overuse, he will rest tired players position, he will use his boys. We will talk, he explains, he hears.

This is probably the last occasion of Valentine's day to manage in the big leagues. And did I mention this-he really wants to win.