BOSTON -- It hasnt been his best season. Manager Bobby Valentine acknowledges that.Obviously, wasnt what I set out to do, he said. So when you dont accomplish what you set out to do you feel like you havent done a good enough job. Its simple.The Sox are 21 games back in the American League East, 17 games under .500 going into Wednesdays game against the Rays, their final home game of the season. They have had 27 different players serve 34 stints on the disabled list this season, both of which are the most for a Sox team since at least 1971 and the most by any team since 1987. The Sox have used 56 players this season, setting a new team record and an AL season-high.It wasnt the team or season Valentine or anyone had planned on. Does he feel like he got cheated out of a better season?I dont know if I feel like I got cheated, he said. We didnt have it, thats for sure and I feel bad we didnt have it.Fairly or unfairly, hes been the target of criticism virtually since the day he was hired.I have the gas masks, he said. I could handle the chemical weapons. The bullets penetrated but they didnt kill me. What did I learn about myself? Im almost a year older, I know that and its gone quickly.Rumors and speculation have run rampant that he will be fired after the season concludes, Wednesday in New York. Valentine, though, does not believe that. He hasnt thought that today could be his last day at Fenway Park as the Sox manager.I dont think so, no, he said. And if it is, Id like to thank you all, or at least most of you, for your professionalism this year and your willingness to put up with all the stuff that goes on on a day-to-day basis and wish you all great health to you and your families. Enjoy. Because it is the last home day this year.It has not been the Red Sox season anyone had planned on. Injuries, poor play, off-field issues, trades, all played into the Red Sox disappointing season. But, Valentine said he was ready or those things.All those variables I think are things I feel Im prepared to handle, he said. When I come back next year Ill think Im prepared to handle them and hopefully well have better results.
Not much I would have done differently. I think I would have kept the beer in the clubhouse. I could have used it after a few of those games.Valentine said he has not been given any indication yet about his future with the team.No, there hasnt been any dialogue, he said. I mean weve talked, but not about that, which makes me think Im coming back. I dont know.My gut feeling is they havent told me yet.