Daniel Nava, Scott Podsednik, Marlon Byrd Among Early Gifts for Bobby Valentine’s First Christmas

Heading into his first managerial stint in several years, Bobby Valentine looked like he had plenty of toys to play with.

That changed quickly when closer Andrew Bailey went down in spring training with a thumb injury and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury was hurt in the home opener.

But Valentine has quite the benefactor in general manager Ben Cherington, who soon provided him with a few new gifts via the trading block. Veterans Marlon Byrd and Scott Podsednik have provided valuable help in the outfield while the Red Sox work their way back into contention.

Perhaps the biggest gift of all has been Daniel Nava, who has been impressive in his call-up after spending quite a chunk of time in the minors since he first debuted in the bigs with a grand slam in his first at-bat.

These players have given Valentine and the Sox plenty of holiday cheer.