Valentine Fired As Red Sox Manager

Bobby Valentine is out as manager of the Boston Red Sox.  General Manager Ben Cherington says no single issue is the reason for the dismissal.  Valentine just completed his first season as Red Sox skipper and had one year remaining on his contract.  Boston finished last in the American League East at 69-and-93, the team's worst showing since going 62-and-100 in 1965.

Returning to manage for the first time since 2002, Valentine had a contentious relationship with some of his players and coaches this season.  Several players reportedly went to ownership in midseason trying to get him fired.  Before Wednesday's final game in New York, Valentine said in a radio interview that he didn't feel full loyalty from all his coaches during the season, but didn't mention names.