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Bobby Valentine’s hire…

I am still surprised that the Boston Red Sox ownership and management team did not have a clear plan of succession when they failed to back former manager Terry Francona at the end of the season.  Sure, Francona left on his terms but the lack of support had as much to do with the decision as anything.  So, if ownership felt that they wanted a change, they should have had a short list of potential replacements in mind.  Theo Epstein moved more quickly in Chicago when they named Sox candidate Dale Sveum as their manager.  The Sox search just felt “messy” to an outsider like me. 

Still, they probably did as well as they could with the hiring of Bobby Valentine.  There is no question that he is a superior tactician. 

I am glad that I quit holding my breath…

Finally, the Yankees emerged from a series with the Boston Red Sox as the victor.  It was the first time it has happened this season.  In past years, it seemed the Yankees and Red Sox always split the season series, give or take.  But this year, the Sox have the decided advantage.  For whatever reason (well, Josh Beckett and his 4-0 mark is one), the Red Sox have owned the Yankees.  However, I am hopeful that the latest series will give the Yankees the confidence they need heading into the final season series later this month and again in the play-offs should the teams meet again.

I’d be foolish to think that the Yankees will overpower the Red Sox to win the division.  On paper, the Sox still have the