The Red Sox are still without a manager, but they're working hard to ensure that whoever does take over the position vacated by Terry Francona this offseason will be a perfect fit. Bobby Valentine will meet with general manager Ben Cherington and the Red Sox on Monday.
The 61-year-old Valentine has emerged as a candidate, although it's unclear if he's the front-runner for the position at this point. Cherington had put talks with Valentine on hold this past week while he was in the Dominican Republic scouting Cuban prospect Yeonis Cespedes.
Yahoo Sports' Jeff Passan first reported the news of Monday's scheduled meeting via Twitter. The Boston Globe's Peter Abraham has since reported that Cherington confirmed via e-mail that he will indeed meet with Valentine.
Valentine had major-league managerial stints with the Texas Rangers (1986-1992) and New York Mets (1996-2002). He last managed in 2009 in Japan, where he spent six years. He's currently working as an analyst for ESPN.
Torey Lovullo, Gene Lamont and Sandy Alomar Jr. are among the other candidates currently being considered for the Red Sox' position.
The Miami Marlins, Chicago White Sox, Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals have all hired new managers since the end of the season. Boston's is the only team with a managerial vacancy.
