A little over two months into the season, however, the Red Sox have already tallied 15 sacrifices, tying them with the Los Angeles Angels for most in the American League. But Valentine's strategy for using a sacrifice bunt in Wednesday's 2-1 loss was called into question earlier on Thursday.
With two runners on and no outs on Wednesday in the seventh inning, Darnell McDonald laid down a bunt and moved both runners into scoring position. Despite the sacrifice, the Red Sox' offense failed to capitalize and were retired in succession.
When questioned about his bunting philosophy, the Red Sox skipper grew a bit testy with his response.
"Remember the night before when [Orioles manager] Buck Showalter sacrifice-bunted the guy only to second and then they got the hit and they beat us?," Valentine said. "Was the topic about the sacrifice bunt that night, too?
"I don't particularly like the bunt, but I think it's a very useful weapon at times. It keeps you out of double plays, for sure. I don't like to give away outs. I don't think it's a good idea. It's great when you're staying away from two outs."
Then, unprompted, Valentine indirectly directed the blame from the seventh inning to Marlon Byrd –– who struck out swinging for the second out of the frame –– for squandering the team's opportunity to score.
"I think first and second with no outs and a lot of hitters, it's a pretty good play," Valentine said. "For a lot of hitters, it's a lousy play. If that fastball that was down the middle that was thrown to the next hitter was swung at, I bet you we would all be saying 'God it would've been great to win that game 3-2.' It was taken instead."
Scott Podsednik leads the Red Sox with four sacrifice bunts.
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