One of the rules of being an analyst on TV is that you always have to say something. And when you always have to say something, chances are, you're going to offend someone.
For proof of that, you can look no further than Bobby Valentine, the Red Sox' newest manager who might have a fence or two to mend with some of the Boston players he criticized while working for ESPN.
Valentine once expressed great frustration with Red Sox ace Josh Beckett for the right-hander's long pauses between pitches.
"That's a half-hour added to this game of him standing around and us sitting around watching him do nothing," Valentine said on an ESPN telecast in August.
Valentine also has criticized outfielder Carl Crawford both for a play in the outfield and for his wide batting stance.
Despite the seemingly awkward conversations that appear to be on the horizon for Valentine, the 61-year-old didn't seem too worried about it Thursday when he met the Boston media. He said he's looking forward to having such conversations face-to-face, rather than into a camera, but he expects the players to be anticipating it a little more eagerly.
"I'm sure they're looking forward to communicating with me," Valentine said, "to tell me it's OK to have an open stance or it's OK to take 20 seconds in between pitches."
The comment was met with a laugh from the assembled media. Valentine likely hopes he gets a similar reaction from Beckett.
Photo of the day
Do you think Josh Beckett will get the giggles around Bobby V? He is a charming guy.
Quote of the day
"I'm not answering that type of question, man. If you wanna ask something about the game … You're asking questions that don't even mean nothing. Next question? God! [Eyeroll]"
–DeSean Jackson, after being asked about possible issues between him and the rest of the Eagles
Tweet of the day
Chris Paul wants the world.
Video of the day
They call it "Beast Mode." For obvious reasons.
