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Bobby Valentine Offers Little Regret, Believes He’ll Improve ‘When I Come Back Next Year’

BOSTON –– Per usual, Bobby Valentine spoke to the media
before Wednesday's game. But given the uncertainty surrounding his job, it
could signal the Red Sox skipper's final game at Fenway Park.

Valentine, however, approached the session with a relaxed
attitude. When asked about any regrets from the 2012 season, the 62-year-old
stuck to his guns and backed all his decisions.

"Not
much I would have done differently, I don't think, other than I think I would
have kept the beer in the clubhouse," Valentine joked. "I think I
could have used it after a few of these games this year."

The
circus-like atmosphere certainly prompted the stress. From the discord with
ex-third baseman Kevin Youkilis to the reports of clubhouse mutiny in July, Valentine
dealt with controversies on the regular.

When
disagreements weren't percolating, personnel changes also tested Valentine's
control. The manager adjusted on the fly to injuries and the blockbuster trade
that sent Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett and Nick Punto to the
Dodgers.

After
experiencing turmoil in New York and Japan, Valentine believes he handled the
obstacles to the best of his abilities.

"I
have the gas masks," Valentine said. "I can handle the chemical
weapons. The bullets penetrated but they didn't kill me.

"What do I
know about myself? I'm almost a year older. I know that. And it's gone quickly."

At
this point in the year, Valentine said Red Sox ownership hadn't discussed his
future with him. While he declined to speculate on his fate, Valentine
indirectly revealed his prediction for next season in a response.

"When
I come back next year, I'll think I'm prepared to handle [the variables],"
Valentine said. "Hopefully, we'll have better results."

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