What is a sure way to get Sox fans and media to change their focus? Mention the Yankees, or better yet, make fun of them. With the lingering clubhouse issues carrying over from last season’s collapse and “snitches” airing their laundry in the media, Bobby Valentine use a tried and true technique to change the subject. Yesterday he took shots at A-Rod and Jeter:
Asked yesterday for his thoughts on retiring catcher Jason Varitek, the new manager offered all the usual kudos, calling the longtime captain a “man’s man” and “everything you want in a guy who wore a ‘C.’ ” Then Valentine paused, likely for effect, and said, “And he beat up Alex.”….Later yesterday, Valentine was discussing the Red Sox’ work on relays and cutoffs when Jeter’s famous play was mentioned. “We’ll never practice that,” Valentine said. “I think (Jeter) was out of position. I think the ball gets (Giambi) out if (Jeter) doesn’t touch it, personally. That was amazing that he was there. I bet it’s more amazing that he said he practiced it. I don’t believe it.”
Of course the media quickly went to Jeter and A-Rod with this story to fan the flickering flames of the rivalry. Here is Jeter’s response:
“I don’t think anything. I really don’t,” Jeter told reporters before the Yankees worked out in Tampa. I have no thoughts whatsoever. Who cares? Why are we talking about this? They must be bored over there, huh? I don’t understand.
“I don’t know Bobby well enough to tell you what he’s trying to do. I could care less, I guess is the best way to put it. I just don’t know why it’s brought up.”
I hate to say this, but I actually agree with Jeter on this one. The book on Bobby V. is that he is going to get in trouble with his mouth from time to time. This may be simply one of those cases or it is more likely an intentional way of moving the storyline away from unresolved issues as baseball gets underway in the Fort.
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