Jojo Doria

Fort Myers, FL

Bobby Valentine is bringing change to the Boston Red Sox whether they like it or not.

Pitchers Josh Beckett, Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz reported early and full-squad workouts are still over a week away but Valentine already senses not everyone is looking forward to some of the changes he will bring.

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona was known for running a more laid back Spring Training camp, but Valentine and laid back are rarely if ever used in the same sentence.

Having not managed in the majors since 2002, Valentine will likely look to make his mark early and see what he has to work with.

"When I look at the program, I don't think it's tough but it seems like it's different because a lot of people are frowning," Valentine told the Boston Globe. "I just ask them to give it a few days. We all know that nobody likes change except for those who are making other people change to do what they want them to do."

The main thing Valentine will want them to do is play hard for 162 games. The Red Sox are coming off an embarrassing collapse to end last season as they missed the playoffs with a loss on the final day of the regular season.

That collapse resulted in general manager Theo Epstein leaving for the Chicago Cubs and manager Terry Francona, who guided the Red Sox to a pair of World Series titles, leaving for the broadcast booth.

Enter Valentine, who will come in with no shortage of ideas on how he thinks should be changed.

"I happen to be one of those people who like change because I'm doing what I want them to do," he said. "I would bet there are 100 guys who won't really like it because it's change for them.''

 

 

Valentine Hoping Red Sox Give Change a Chance