Bobby Valentine appeared on "Costas Tonight" on Tuesday and said David Ortiz "decided not to play anymore" after the Boston Red Sox traded Adrian Gonzalez, Josh Beckett, Carl Crawford and Nick Punto to the Dodgers for prospects.
Bobby Valentine interview: ‘Ortiz decided not to play anymore’
Bobby Valentine spoke for the first time on “Costas Tonight” about David Ortiz, his coaches and his future.
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“David Ortiz came back after spending about six weeks on the disabled list and we thought it was only going to be a week. He got two hits the first two times up, drove in a couple runs; we were off to the races. Then he realized that this trade meant that we’re not going to run this race and we’re not even going to finish the race properly and he decided not to play anymore. I think at that time it was all downhill from there.”
Valentine went on to say that even though he wasn’t able to pick his coaching staff, he thought he could still get the job done.
Valentine said he was worn down by the end of the year. After his firing, most guys wished him well and he teared up from some of the text messages he received.
Valentine said he would like another shot to manage, and it would depend on who is hiring if he’ll get another job. He cited Davey Johnson and Jack McKeon as guys who nobody thought would manage again but got the call and succeeded.
Valentine admitted that he is “short” at times with people and doesn’t give them the undivided attention they may want.
Valentine was fired Oct. 4 after putting together a 69-93 season. The Red Sox worked out a trade with the Blue Jays to bring in John Farrell to manage the club next season.
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