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BASEBALL PREVIEW 2012
He’s brash. Maybe even arrogant. He’s charismatic. And combative. He’s convinced he can win in Boston, and dares you to prove him wrong.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Bobby Valentine has brought a new energy to the Red Sox this year after replacing Terry Francona.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine shagged balls himself in the outfield during a spring batting practice.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine smiled as he prepared to talk to reporters early in camp.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Before pitchers and catchers took the field for their first workout, Valentine gathered everyone together.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine moves quickly even at age 61. "Whatever you do, don't get in front of me," he says.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine tossed a stray baseball into a basket as he walked briskly off the field.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine, whose management style is hands-on, pushed shortstop Mike Aviles into position during a drill.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine and general manager Ben Cherington are both in their first season at their current positions.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
The umpires were late to a spring training bout with the Twins, so Valentine relaxed in the dugout.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine has been frank in public comments, even about established stars such as Ortiz.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine pedaled to work on a foggy morning in Fort Myers.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Valentine visited a Fort Myers after-school program that provides reading and tutoring services.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Now Valentine is tasked with recharging a club that failed poorly to end last season.
Dan Shaughnessy
With Bobby Valentine, it won’t be boringThe new Red Sox manager is one of a kind. He has been everywhere and knows everyone. He comes as advertised. And we are loving it.
For as dynamic and energetic as the new Red Sox manager is, he often leaves jobs under a cloud of controversy and bitterness.
INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC
You think Kevin Bacon is connected? The Hollywood actor has nothing on the Red Sox manager, whose world expands well beyond baseball circles.
The Bobby Valentine wrap is a hit on the menuA Brookline restaurant has a new hit sandwich, but is its namesake really the inventor of the wrap?
baseball preview 2012
Bobby Valentine has worked magic beforeIn previous managerial stops, Valentine did a great job of quickly turning around franchises that had fallen on hard times.
Ralph Branca happy to have Bobby Valentine aroundRalph Branca, the famous father-in-law of the Red Sox manager, says the team is lucky to have hired a “wonderful person.”
Celebrity managers don’t have rich history with Red SoxBobby Valentine arrived as a big-name manager, but not many of his Boston predecessors had similar billing.
Bobby Valentine isn’t the first man to cross from TV to a manager’s seat. And sometimes time in the TV booth is helpful.
Jim Davis/Globe Staff
Red Sox preview
Check out the projected lineup and rotation for a team that has much to prove after last season’s meltdown.
Red Sox bullpen should be ready to workBobby Valentine puts a premium on bullpen flexibility, and relievers can expect the manager to ask a lot of them.
Shortstop has been a big hole for Red SoxThe Red Sox have started 18 players at shortstop in the last 7 1/2 years. And for at least a little while longer, the instability continues.
AL preview
The Yankees have issues, but they could emerge as the team that’s impossible to beat.
NL preview
The Phillies, with Jonathan Papelbon in the bullpen, look strong again. But could Arizona spring a surprise?
Are the Red Sox serious World Series contenders? Our baseball writers reveal their choices for the 2012 playoff field.
Sports Media
The longtime radio announcer is entering 30th year with team, and he’s happy listeners know how emotionally invested he is in the team.
The Boston Globe honors the venerable ballpark with a special section full of memories.
