Many Major League Baseball players live in Florida and take Spring Training there as well so it has become commonplace for higher-profile players to drive themselves to away games during the spring instead of reporting to the park and getting on the bus with the rest of the team. Â Bobby Valentine is having none of that.
Admitting there could be exceptions to his new rule, Valentine shared with the media yesterday that riding the bus to away games during Spring Training will be mandatory. Â Along similar lines, there’s another decision he’s expected to make public soon, if he will allow alcohol in the clubhouse. Â He teased earlier in the week that he made his decision but wanted to wait until all the players had reported before he told the team and then, presumably, the media. Â Today is the official reporting day for the position players (although all of the Red Sox players showed up early) so there’s anticipation that he’ll share his alcohol rule with the public after discussing it with his team.
Rumors about how the 2011 season unraveled because of various clubhouse issues has put Valentine on the hot seat with the press as far as to how he’s going to lead this team. Â The media seems to be looking for a babysitter for the team more than a manager. Â Rick Pitino tried that with the Boston Celtics and it was a disaster. Â Hopefully Valentine has better luck with his squad.
(Originally published on Examiner.com)