John Henry: "We Are Not Making A Change In Manager"
BOSTON (CBS) - WBZ-TV's Dan Roche asked Red Sox owner John Henry to respond to recent criticism of the team and questions about Bobby Valentine's future.
The following is John Henry's response via email:
"To blame Bobby Valentine for the Red Sox being .500 at this point in the season is simply wrong. A lot has been written about injuries to key players this year. The impact of that on the Sox this year should not be discounted.
In baseball, managers often get too much credit and too much blame for what happens on the field. That seems to be a constant. There is often the thought in organizations, "This isn't working so the manager needs to go." But an organization is much more than the field manager. We all share responsibility for the success and failure of the Boston Red Sox. We are not making a change in manager.
There has been no lack of effort from our players and we have had a number of them playing hurt. I watch every game and the effort our players put in night after night is very clear to see.
In regard to the notion that we have somehow not empowered Bobby, you should ask him directly about that. We have been nothing but supportive of him inside and outside of the clubhouse. Stories that imply otherwise are due to speculation that is not warranted at all by the facts.
And the notion that we are not present and not attending games is misleading to the public. Tom, Larry and I seldom miss home games. This year is no different. We seldom miss a telecast when on the road if we aren't there. This is a 365-day-a-year sport for us - as it is for Ben and for Bobby. Even when we are away we discuss issues daily. Just because we aren't answering all media questions doesn't mean we aren't on the job. We are.
Our commitment to winning is unabated. That is our focus. We continue to have the 2nd highest payroll among the 30 clubs. We have been at this for more than 10 years in Boston, and winning is just as much our focus today as it was when we took over."
Video: Cherington responds to Valentine rumors
Red Sox General Manager Ben Cherington would not put a timeline on Valentine's stay in Boston, but said, "we are not considering anyone else."
"He's as committed to managing the team as he ever has been," Cherington said at Fenway Monday, "and we're as committed to him and trying to do everything we can to support him and make this work."
Following Boston's 9-2 win over the Texas Rangers, Valentine addressed the notion the Sox' owners have not empowered him, shrugging it off.
"I don't know about the notion," said Valentine. "I can't even fathom what that would refer to. The ownership? Fabulous. Very expensive payroll. Ben's worked 24-7. He's been in my office every day. There's never been anything we've had major disagreements about."
Listen To Bobby V:
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"I don't know how I could be more empowered. Maybe a magic wand at times. I'll use that during the game if I ever find out where I could get one," he joked.
