he Red Sox announced Bobby Valentine as its new manager Wednesday, and he will be introduced at a Fenway Park news conference tonight. The 61-year-old replaces Terry Francona, who left after eight years in which he guided the Red Sox to two World Series titles but also the biggest September collapse in baseball history. The first job for the former Mets and Rangers manager: reversing a culture in which players ate takeout fried chicken and drank beer in the clubhouse during games instead of sitting on the bench.
Valentine managed the Texas Rangers from 1985-92, when he was fired by then-owner and future U.S. President George W. Bush. His last big league managerial job was with the Mets, from 1996-02, where he guided the Mets to the 2000 World Series. Two years later, they finished last and Valentine was fired, leaving him with a 1,117-1,072 record. He has never finished in first place in 15 major league seasons.
Williams and Mueller on Hall ballot
NEW YORK — Former AL batting champions Bernie Williams and Bill Mueller are among 13 newcomers on baseball's 2012 Hall of Fame ballot, joining top holdovers Barry Larkin, Jack Morris, Lee Smith and Jeff Bagwell. Following the election of Robert Alomar and Bert Blyleven last year, a relatively weak field of first-timers could give renewed hope to Larkin and Morris.
Twenty-seven players are on this year's Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot, including 14 holdovers. A player needs at least 75 percent to gain election. Results will be announced Jan. 9.
Cubs sign DeJesus
CHICAGO — David DeJesus could become the starting right fielder for the Chicago Cubs after agreeing to a $10 million, two-year contract. A. 284 hitter during nine years with Kansas City and Oakland, DeJesus batted just .240 in his lone season with the Athletics.