Red Sox try to mend clubhouse relations
The Boston Red Sox are Bobby Valentine’s team now — no question. Whether the players are with him is the point of contention after a tumultuous day at Fenway Park.
The clubhouse was in turmoil Monday morning as the team reported for its annual Patriots Day game, thanks to comments he made about third baseman Kevin Youkilis. By day’s end, everyone involved — and just about everyone was involved — was professing some semblance of harmony.
“It is what it is,” Valentine said after talking with Youki- lis and second baseman Dustin Pedroia, who had some of the most pointed comments. “We’re good,” Pedroia said after meeting with Valentine, who is 10 games into his Red Sox tenure.
Earlier in the day, Pedroia said, “I really don’t know what Bobby is trying to do. That’s not the way we go about our stuff here. He’ll figure that out. . . . Maybe that works in Japan.”
The issue began when Valentine, who last managed in Japan, said in a television interview Sunday, “I don’t think (Youkilis) is as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason.”
Youkilis, who did not play Monday because of a groin injury, said he met with Valentine but would not say what they discussed. He did say he was surprised and confused by the comments.
“I go out and just play the game,” Youkilis said. “For me, it’s not an issue.”
Valentine said of that meeting, “I totally apologized. I said, ‘Jesus, the last thing in the world I want you to think is that I’m criticizing you.’ I should have been more specific.”
But are Valentine’s clubhouse relations an issue?
“Oh, God, come on,” Valentine said. “We’re big boys, and I’m sure he’s going to get it. . . . I think the guys will get it. It’s a good group of guys.”
By the way, the Red Sox lost 1-0 to the Rays to end a three-game winning streak and remain in last place in the American League East.