by Patrick Cavanaugh

(BOSTON, M.A.)–It’s official. Bobby Valentine is no longer the manager of the Boston Red Sox, after he was fired on Thursday afternoon by management. There had been rumors being spread, saying the skipper would be fired sometime in the near future, but the Red Sox made the official in a press statement

Bobby Valentine signs for fans (Kevin Littlefield)

around 1:00 PM on Thursday.

This decision does not strike many by surprise, as the Sox finished off their worst season since 1965, with a record of 69-93. This was also the first season that the Sox finished last in the AL East during the eleven year reign of John Henry and Tom Werner, the team’s owners.

“I understand this decision,” said Valentine in a statement released by the Red Sox Media Relations Department.  “This year in Boston has been an incredible experience for me, but I am as disappointed in the results as are ownership and the great fans of Red Sox Nation.

In an interview with WEEI, the former skip thought that his coaching staff did not back him up at all times during the season.

“There were situations during the year I didn’t think it was all for one or one for all, whatever it is,” Valentine said in an interview with WEEI. ”I don’t really remember specifically… It was just a feeling.”

The Fenway Park centennial season is certainly one to remember, but not for the right reasons. Ben Cherington, the team’s Vice President and GM,  said “No single individual is to blame for the disappointing 2012 season.”

As for Mr. Valentine, he said he enjoyed his stay in Beantown.

“It was a privilege to be part of the 100 year anniversary of Fenway Park and an honor to be in uniform with such great players and coaches,” said Valentine.  ”My best to the organization.  I’m sure next year will be a turnaround year.”

So without blaming the falls of this season on a particular person, lets take a look at some of the solutions to make the 2013 season better than 2012.

First, the Red Sox need to do a total personnel clean up. The organization started making some major changes earlier in the season, which include firing the pitching coach Bob McClure, and trading Adrian Gonzalez, Carl Crawford, Josh Beckett, and Nick Punto. The Sox need to continue with this trend. Spring is a long way aways but there is no doubt the Red Sox will be doing their share of “Spring Cleanup” before April comes around again.

Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino agrees, saying, “This year’s won-loss record reflects a season of agony. More [changes] will come.”

Patrick Cavanaugh covers pro baseball for BostonSportsU18. He can be reached atpcavanaugh@bostonsportsu18.com.

Patrick Cavanaugh

Patrick can often be found in the press box at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (home of the Eastern League champion New Hampshire Fisher Cats), attending Manchester Monarchs games, and even announcing local Little League games. His favorite sports icons are Jerry Remy and Dustin Pedroia and his dream job is sports broadcasting and journalism. Make sure to follow Patrick Cavanaugh on Twitter @pcava12. Patrick can also be reached at pcavanaugh@bostonsportsu18.com.