The 2012 Baseball Season Is Upon Us!

Well it's that time of year again! After an offseason in which the Red Sox got a new manager (Bobby Valentine, far right), general manager (Ben Cherington), pitching coach (Bob McClure), first base coach (Alex Ochoa), and third base coach (Jerry Royster). They also got two new outfielders (Ryan Sweeney and Cody Ross), utility infielder (Nick Punto), a backup catcher (Kelly Shoppach) and countless minor leaguers to add to the lineup. They acquired relievers Mark Melancon and Andrew Bailey. However, none of that change matters anymore as it's time to get back to the game we love. Bobby Valentine has made some interesting decisions: Alfredo Aceves will be the new closer and Felix Doubront and Daniel Bard will move to the rotation. Now, despite all the optimism which abounds with a new season, expectations are the lowest they've been in a while for the Red Sox. A lack of pitching has led to a number of writers and fans to predict them in third place and out of the playoffs (reluctantly, including myself). Even so, it's back to baseball and it'll be a fun and interesting season no matter what.

Will This Go Down As Valentine's Day In Red Sox Nation?

Today, the Red Sox formally introduced Bobby Valentine as their next manager. Valentine reportedly signed off on a 2 year deal earlier today and will definitely be the next manager. There have been mixed reviews about Valentine's hiring. I have seen many reports saying how great a move this is and how it is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode in the face of Red Sox nation. To be honest, I'm just glad that the whole managerial interview process is over. However, I am excited about Valentine. He brings a personality that I like to the table as he is colorful but firm-- something this clubhouse is in dire need of. I look forward to seeing how Valentine performs as the Red Sox manager in 2012 and (hopefully) beyond.

Be Red Sox Nation's Valentine?

After a long, excruciating process, the Red Sox have finally hired their next manager-- former Mets and Rangers manager Bobby Valentine. He has been a decent manager in his time, compiling a .510 winning percentage. He definitely has far more experience than any other candidate the Red Sox had, managing about 15 years. Another thing Valentine has is charisma, and a definite personality. He has worked as an analyst on ESPN the past few years, which is pretty much the only thing I've seen him on being a fairly young baseball fan. However, I heard a story that cracks me up about Valentine. I hear that in one Mets game, he was ejected, but he came back into the dugout with a fake mustache on. A loose personality like that would definitely help this stuffy clubhouse full of "beer and chicken." I don't know enough about Valentine to make a definite decision, but I'm glad this whole ordeal is over.