New Boston Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine is not Terry Francona. He will rule with more of an iron fist and less friendly banter; his spring training practice schedule already is eliciting frowns among the players. Becoming successful will take three parts art and two parts science, or something like that.
CSNNE's Sean McAdam listed five things Valentine needs to accomplish during spring training 2012. The bold are McAdam's suggestions. The words underneath the bold are the reactions of a crazed blogger.
1. Make everyone forget the 2011 season
"DO NOT REMEMBER THE BIGGEST COLLAPSE IN MLB HISTORY! RID YOUR MINDS OF BEER AND CHICKEN MEMORIES! THAT CRUSHING FINAL NIGHT OF THE REGULAR SEASON NEVER HAPPENED! YOU ARE GETTING VERY SLEEPY!"
2. Earn the players' trust
For some reason, I picture the scene in Good Will Hunting where Will won't speak during the therapy sessions, so Sean doesn't either. Not sure exactly why.
3. Sort out the pitching staff
"Can't we just go with a three-man rotation?"
4. Form a relationship with baseball operations
"Hey, Ben. It's me, Bobby. I'm still not sure why you traded away Marco Scutaro for a box of Bagel Bites, but I'd love to get together for coffee one of these days."
5. Work with the team to develop its own personality
"Anything but last year's personality, please."
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