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The Boston Red Sox have finally made it official; Bobby Valentine has been fired:
BREAKING: Bobby Valentine will not return as #RedSox Manager in 2013. EVP/GM Ben Cherington to lead managerial search.
— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) October 4, 2012
The team added that general manager Ben Cherington will begin the search for Valentine’s replacement.
The announcement puts an end to a miserable season in Boston. After their epic collapse of 2011, the team didn’t seem to be able to get much lower. However, Valentine and company managed to do just that this year.
Valentine reportedly lost the clubhouse, including several members of his coaching staff, early. He called out veteran third baseman Kevin Youkilis, who remained beloved by Red Sox fans even after his trade to the Chicago White Sox. He was also reportedly called out by second baseman Dustin Pedroia and first baseman Adrian Gonzalez in August.
The Red Sox season came to an end yesterday, as the club finished with an overall record of 69-93. Boston lost 12 of its last 13 contests, including eight straight to end the year.