Valentine is safe for the rest of the season. I'm encouraged that ownership is not reacting to the media generated Bobby V hysteria. THAT gives me hope for a bright future with this Sox ownership.

Whatever Valentine's faults, he was handed 2011's unmitigated disaster, forced to inherit Francona's coaches, and saddled with an indecisive and insecure GM who never wanted him in the first place. It was easy to predict how it would turn out. When Valentine set off sparks with his Youkilis comment early in the season, Pedroia piped up with "that's not how we do things around here." Really? These players need a disciplinarian, and they got one--albeit with one hand tied behind his back. Pedroia is regarded as the unofficial captain of the R/S. Where was he last September when his teammates were blowing the season and sinking the manager he allegedly regarded as a father figure? Why hasn't he offered leadership by supporting his manager--instead of undermining him? This is a dysfunctional team that needs to be blown up. Terminating Valentine will solve little. He's not responsible for this mess. It's too late to fire Theo, but this disastrous team is his real legacy--and it will take several years and tens of millions of dollars to recover from it. That said, beware a vote of confidence from the front office--especially this one.