I promise you, I used much restraint in not actually spelling out the acronym. Here’s what our fearless, moronic leader had to say last night about Kevin Youkilis, while on WHDH’s Sports Xtra show:
“I don’t think he’s as physically or emotionally into the game as he has been in the past for some reason. But [on Saturday] it seemed, you know, he’s seeing the ball well, got those two walks, got his on-base percentage up higher than his batting average, which is always a good thing, and he’ll move on from there.”
We’re only nine games into the season, and already I want to punchisize Bobby V’s face for making yet another unnecessary and inappropriate comment that was likely devised to draw attention to himself. I know what you’re thinking. Why would an ego maniac managing one of the most high profile teams in baseball want to bring himself negative attention? Well, simply, he can’t help himself. He’s an attention whore to the millionth degree.
As many of you know, I’m not one who is prone to emotional baseball-related outbursts. I’m usually very even keel; rarely panicking until well after a situation has reached a critical mass. Even then, I’ll remain steadfast in my calmness. That said, I have my weakness, and that weakness is complete and utter stupidity. I’m a sucker for it. I can’t let a stupid, idiotic comment pass me by without saying something to retort it. That’s why I can’t quit Dan Shaughnessy, even though I know he’s nothing but a troll.
The problem with people like Bobby V and Curly Haired Boyfriend is that they’re in a position to influence others. While it might sound silly, it’s absolutely true. CHB (and many others) did it last year with the grossly overblown Theo compensation and chicken and beer scandals.
My primary issue with Valentine’s comments aren’t necessarily that he thinks or feels that way about Youkilis’s drive or desire. My problem is that he has very little to which he can base that opinion. Outside of a couple of years as a baseball “analyst” (and I use that in the loosest of terms) and two-plus months as the Red Sox manager, Valentine has very little actual knowledge of Youk’s demeanor. While yes, he wears his heart on his sleeve, and his emotions are often easy to read; it’s unfair for Valentine to assume he’s not as “physcially or emotionally not the game” as he was in the past just because he’s not as fiery this year.
Players slump. They press. They have highs and lows with regards to their confidence. They’re humans with emotions, just like you and me. Isn’t it possible Youk is just going through a rough patch? Perhaps, he’s pressing because he knows this is his last guaranteed season with the Red Sox? Maybe his personal life is creating additional stress? Rather than play arm-chair psychologist, Bobby V would be better served sitting down with Youkilis to discuss his struggles. Perhaps that’s not Valentine’s style. That’s fine, but it’s his job as a manager to find out what makes each of his players tick; how to connect with each. Instead, Valentine thinks it’s a better to share his unsolicited diagnosis on the radio for the whole world to hear.
For a clubhouse that was terribly divided last season, our new manager seems as if he’s doing a bang up job of creating further divisions and dissension than bringing the team together into one cohesive unit. As for the Red Sox’s dirty laundry leaving the vacuum of the clubhouse, it looks like we have a new leak. Unlike in years past, it won’t be via anonymous source. He’ll make sure to let you know he was the one that said it. Sadly, he’s not the superhero the Red Sox either want or need.