Larry Lucchino: Meter is worthy of a callback for Red Sox PA position

It's been awhile since we've spoken with the president. All of the Boston Red Sox. Looking -- on joins us on the AT&T outline AT&T forgy LT eat good morning Larry Dario. Morning are you happy -- happens at 1001 witness that attend one loss before you can -- morning you bet. Yeah you bet that -- decided that the game was a great feeling at the ballpark can't let -- have to kill a separate things that. That -- picked up considerably. Are you six sensing a change in the vibe around the clubhouse and the team itself. A lot. I can't speak to that I think the vibe around the club -- been pretty good for a long time. It's just that. And the media. May not -- Sense the same thing. But decide what I'm referring to there's an electricity in the ballpark the excitement that comes from. During the is that the return of Ellsbury and Crawford to the top of the lineup this. Speed the offense has been generated it's just been it is if he feels that feels very different if you watch -- -- Sounds like Bill James is claim in the media. But -- they let Larry you one reason and more when we heard this rumor about a Carl Crawford trade. And no bench out of them and notes really unlikely to happen but. It got us all excited because we've taken this might mean that there work on some than anything and much this might mean Ben has the nerve Ben has the the guts to pull the trigger and make a big big deal it is that how you feel I know you're not involved in -- do you feel like there is the possibility. The Ben will make some bold moves before August 1. Yes I do I think that -- it done and is feel. It empowered to do it I think he's got the capacity to do it. When he took the job and then infection that. We have talked. Frequently about boldness. You've got to. You know when to people and when did the somewhat a more conservative and methodical. But it does this club has been built on not on -- moves over the years going way back to. You know but Nomar Garciaparra trade and you know four practices -- but one example. So that -- no. There should be no doubt in anyone's mind. Did the bench Eric in the entire baseball operations department is expected to sit John Thomas and I are involved and -- our all. Pointed towards. I'm working hard well for July 30 yard line just look at their track record for years we've we try to do things. And at they're addicted deadline if we are in the hunt and -- certainly -- we -- content. And will do what we can't but that doesn't guarantee again -- a supermarket you can walk into attempted one of these one of these. You've got to find a willing partner to work -- there has got to be a bit. But are we exploring minute that -- that avenue absolute. A week ago we all thought it was a possibility might be sellers that seems to have changed in. You appear to be buyers again I just wonder in the latter does his work. A big deal does -- have to be for him to come to ownership I assume when he wants to. In a designated print little -- for Simon he doesn't need to run through ownership or run through you. But if he were to pull the trigger on a Carl Crawford deal he does is there a rule like which deals he has the bring a -- which he doesn't. Not not -- not say yeah simple rule there's a pattern practice that we developed an open over the years. And that is well aware of that and is very good judgment about. What things to talk about would that would -- spoke becomes the July 31. We've been talking about it for a very few weeks because it is such a yet potentially important date. So there's plenty of dialogue between now and then and -- job to calm myself. And none and other folks at the baseball operations department and Bobby Valentine. Now on that issue there's there's split decision that. It comes to do we have a strategy what are what are -- what's analysis group what do we what do we look forward to the possibility. There's a lot of discussion because. We just wanna be on the same page and things can move so quickly of those that last day -- two. We want to have adequate buildup the preparation before. Larry is the degree of autonomy that Ben has the same. Less or more then -- feel operated in his dynamic with the rest of your organization. Called boy you guys I hate making comparisons. He has been trying to get me it is for La. I educated. The -- if he feels. Howard or Howard and I certainly think he will. Into affirmatively. I think there's. Though. As much probably a little more collaboration. These days. So -- when you heard this rumor. Was like a surprise to you or is it some and in other. That you didn't that you were briefed on the the possibility that -- monster. This rumor because of you know that and Jennings a guy throws from the front office who we drafted Carl Crawford he's been up and and in in -- In Boston. Scouting that presumably Carl Crawford and others and one. Went been blessed to go about the fact that there had been an inquiry and the and given the encouragement. That we offer regarding. Being bold but curious what when he goes out and finally talking about. It is you know that's just step par for the course this kind of year he explore all the possibilities. Big ones bold ones small ones incremental ones whatever you can do. There is is is Bobby Valentine your -- Larry. Does that bother you when you're that. -- I didn't have not accurate but I hear a lot of things from the media's the national field. Are accurate and not certainly. Have great. They didn't confidence. In Bobby Valentine I think he's -- it sensational job with the beset by injuries as a team has been. The bullpen problems. I I think he's been he's been. Although we have expected he would be -- I think it's in fact column my guy John Henry's known. At least as long as I have. And worked with and stated day Tom Warner -- a comfortable. You report them I just don't think it does it's. It's accurate to ever. They're referred to it that we put data and the media needs shorthand. Needs simple concepts. That they can -- hammer and to the extent that they can do that that it just par for the course. The meter Larry's guy now yeah yeah EM that's accurate right. -- -- -- -- -- I'm actually flattered by that person it is. Objectivity and knowledge I think if these so supportive that's only good side. He thinks he might have made the call back round number two for the manager's job can you confirm or deny that for. I wanna be sure you understand we had. Thirty there -- Korea thirty different bounces. Command and it's been. A parade is a very good people. And kind of interesting to watch the different styles. But meter is certainly. In the top ten although we don't have a formal rankings. That is he can worthy of a call back. I absolutely think he is. All the matters at all as a leader Larry things you do object guy Larry that if it. Equipment -- you brought it a little -- style we had a lot of different people as said that you at least at this. Karen daughter Jessica thought it was. Was creative and and we'll see I don't know promises a lot of competition -- he's thirty more people who -- here. How about the thirty -- before the end of the year. Well maybe yes demanded as well as some people come back and -- seconds. So maybe that the fifty years ago. The problem is meter -- that you'll be in the top ten anymore it's definitely tough and there it is in the top ten -- evident class rank high school. Summary placed on a conversation I had yesterday decided -- this topic was gonna come up. So we had to do -- examination of -- performance and and we you guys heard him I mean this is not. Favoritism just because like meter distances he did break a certain. I don't know. Lot of center flair and centimeters nationals want to be here yeah dial the tries to united was -- number seven. Cody Ross 166. Daniel novel. Left field problem. Whereas the rest of and passion that it -- I thought it was terrific and that dictated not remind you share -- The bet yes yes he's I was buried treasure this year. Hey Larry -- back to the serious stuff here as far as you can tell I know you're not in the clubhouse every day when you get down there you don't spend a lot of time as far as you can tell. Are these stories and you said the media gets things out of whack so this is what we have you want to correct us and and guide us into into the proper channels of -- overdose Shepherd us to into being correct and accurate. The stories we hear of discord and disconnect between some players not the entire clubhouse and the manager. Is there any validity to any of those. Well first of all I try to get -- to the club must get on the field. With some sort of frequency to get a little feel for that -- possible. And Fletcher in there day in and day out lottery ticket basis to know exactly what's happening. Do I think it. Managers in general has the support of there -- the 25 man roster. All the time. No I think there are decisions that are made players can beat this too disappointed that the couple lineups that they are PGA tour that are. Or something happens to -- the -- -- in the old. Joke I think you've heard. But managing it I think -- -- separate cases like Casey Stengel -- says his job as manager. Was to keep the five guys who -- him away from the twenty guys are undecided. And I think you've got to keep that perspectives. In mind he can. And when there's a transition there they're going to be. Some adjustments that have to be made it in relationships and then dynamic that there but by and large I think it is -- very. Cohesive. Clubhouse would -- guys who like each other. A teammate to pull for each other. I I think this. The set of really good. Positive personalities down there and it's -- the most cooperative close losses we've had here at all times he's and again major. Okay in the interest of accurate reportage I'm going to ask a very specific question about a very specific story. And you will know the answer to this report report -- yes. After Bobby Valentine in spring training -- rated a Red Sox infielder. And did it in front of a lot of people that sort of obvious to those around. The story goes that Bobby was talked to by either management or ownership and said we'd do not embarrass our players that way in front of the general public tour false. I don't know an incident that I. I wouldn't be surprised if that happens it's. But I don't know I don't know world is do you reference you're you're making. I do think again I'll go back to. But previous experience Earl Weaver. Used to say -- Larry if I don't. Criticize the guy it immediately when it happened. That likely to be victimized by it again and so there is a school of of teaching that says when when something goes wrong. You deal with that it immediately. And and that can be the most effective way to prevent entry occurrence. I don't know -- bit may have been circumstances where some kind of criticism. It was required on the spot do I think that message was sent down to him. From the front office I don't think so but I don't know on meet -- and then. And he may have had a discussion about. So what does that I'm not I'm not aware of it but as it did happen it would express. Well you men around a lot of teams a lot of managers. Do you think it's strange or unusual that your manager and your pitching coach don't even talk to each other. And I you know that because he spent a lot of public in -- read it and Gordon -- peace and nobody nobody ever did I read it somewhere out by another reporter can you can't refute it. It. That I know blog here on time as efficiently assist. As -- separate or going over things hasn't very. Positive opinion of please the coaching staff has a -- pitching coach and particularly. That this is that the is there a transition period required where people got to adjust to a new managerial style that the manager role. And perhaps new coaching world. I'm sure that I'm sure there are occasional abrasions and and issues to develop but. By and large this. There's been much too much of focus on on the on Bobby Valentine is as good as it's some quality work. But he lightning -- that down there I think it needs to be a little more focus on the performance of the team as a whole -- a little less focused on the Ellis drama it's that's the -- I'll let them does that help but does that take the pressure of other people. You can argue that it does you know it does that's one of the things that day happens when one desert it. Focus on March managerial figured that it makes life a little easier for the players because it's. It does not occupy. The the media. You didn't get much for Kevin Youkilis and I'm wondering if you like. A lot of college a lot of listeners fans say you know screw him let him sit on the bench let him pinch hit let -- back up. And and I know was untenable I know Bobby was probably -- and get him out of there and get Adrian -- back to first base. Do you tune when a guy like Duke was kind of forces went on a -- of the mindset you say. He knows now that we're not pay his salary in -- and for nothing let him you know feeling and where he can fill in in two -- unhappy. Boy that's so hard great centers. Person to person. And situation situation that was that one week has certainly at a full discussion as -- question whether week it. Sustain this team because we did have a history of the injuries to be consistently. In the early part -- -- and so the argument was it was made in the internal discussions that. Like betrayed. Desirable and necessary at this moment given the likelihood. At least the possibility. Of injury and the first base or third base. On on this team. But the -- is. Better judgment I think it would. Will middle Brooks. Deserve to play every day. That is the publicity team and Adrian Gonzales in particular deserved it where. He was playing it may be a little stability. In in his role with the would help is offensive performances certainly appears to indicate since that trade was made. Adrian has gone on a bigger there I don't know if it's. Because so effective it. But that's. There is certainly the argument that can be made to stabilize in multiple live up to each day and -- very positive effect on Beijing Gonzales. So you know it was a it was a legitimate argument. On both sides of that question. But the problem was to take guy -- been a regular player. A day in and day out for a most of his. Careers and less so -- years Kevin Youkilis. And make him a a bench player. And how would that don't affect both the performance of Kevin Youkilis as well as the performance so vote will let Brooks and Adrian Gonzales. And it just it was made that this was really. This would be a good thing for the player and he has a good thing for the team. I got the lowest maybe one more thing and and -- Besides Stewart the pitcher we got different does that force starts at triple -- experience of them have been outstanding so I think it's a little early to us. -- a necessity. The impact of -- -- you can't just look at the place you can look at the impact on the -- performance. As well this keep patient to see what kind of starting pitcher they have record here -- A -- how many hours. How many hours -- -- -- big liar liar yeah I mean hours have been spent analyzing what the heck is wrong with Jon Lester in those offices. So. I'm sure Sherlock and because the. You know you gotta battle the club policy got to teach sectional low level you. You've got got it going on in the in the front office it is still enormous. Respect and effort Jon Lester in the contributions he. He's made to this team over the years and a lot of expectations he's gonna get it right again. You know very few pitchers go through a long career with. A down period -- day and a half seasons our seasons here or there. So this is not unprecedented. But we need. To stabilize the pitching rotation. This club leads. All of baseball and offense and it runs scored not just the American League I think all of baseball. The defense has been good the bullpen has been solid. We do need to stabilize that the as a starting pitching and and I think good things will -- flow from that. Based on the reports you're getting up Pawtucket does Daniel Bard situation concern you -- It does it's those because he's been down there for a lot of were eager to get him get him not back two years now. Want to see him. -- with -- greater predictability and consistency down there. But stopped by for once certainly predicted Daniel -- will be back and it'll make -- -- -- real contribution. To this team now be admitted to Earl. You touched on the injuries a few minutes ago so I posed this question. With the switch in the medical and training staff I'm sure you'd expect to have 22 guys go on the DL what's going on. Well. This than it did because of the problems we've had an with the injuries the proliferation of them in recent years. We we do we can look everywhere we could to see if there's something that we could do better than and now -- we decided that. Well may be some changes in the structure. Changes and personnel. Would be desirable. And and we've we've made some of those changes with an idea towards. Rick rehabilitation physical therapy. Using that both as a preventative and as a treatment mechanism afterwards press a little greater a little less reliance on on on surgery. That was the general sort of philosophy that is the approach that we don't need to be greater clarity if they're reporting structure we try to make some. Exchanges in that regard about injuries can occur particularly key injuries. Connector or someone falls on Jacoby goes yeah. His shoulder. That he is a collision at first base that affects. Bailey. There are you know injuries that are gonna occur we just didn't. Beset. By them and they've had a powerful impact on this team because well every club has injuries. But every club has some injuries to key players like -- -- and VP caliber center fielder like gave perennial also -- -- field. Like they're closer. You know it's. Go -- yeah. Breakthrough just keep the starting rotation was we are we had a couple of guys on the disabled list from our from our starting rotation. So it's it has been that in this series is very tactful injuries and that but I don't QBs all of that too. -- medical. -- what was the impetus and the goal for the season ticket holder letter at the midpoint of the season -- here. I'm glad we did they get to attempt just had to keep. The impetus for that the motivation for that there I guess we're too. One was just to say thank you. Because season ticket holders are key constituency of hours. And it's important every once and all that you thanked him and factor at a -- would come up to me you know last night. Apropos that this had a -- today. He came out that it says -- -- -- -- -- little about the decision that doesn't what do you think you mean Forsett. I'm really appreciated that this season ticket holder -- better because. I camp here at night after night that -- almost to a season ticket holders and it's nice to be sanctum. -- for the support that we shot. So that was part of motivation to say thank you to the second part was the city keep the faith. That there was still an opportunity. For this club to. To make a run that. Did demonstrate to which to base does it that waiting was it was still the highest priority for us. And it in fact they were talking in what we need to two games out of out of a locker and. Tampa Bay was nine games back in September and got to the post season -- it certainly. This gives you guys collapsed. Sure. I left. And didn't mention I mean there's. Offers some perspective -- whether you're a couple of games out of the wildcard. Position and then in mid July there's certainly reason for optimism and -- -- to say we extra and we want to them. Remind people to. That we appreciated there there's there's there's support could locate their passion. This it was Bobby V was he offended that he was not encounter on the -- No. She's nice -- -- my fault. You realize that. Every jot and tittle every word every -- tactical error was going to be scrutinized by a kind -- media. That I should've realized that but does the fact is those Bob -- benefit worst. From Bobby about that there was nothing intentional but that's not making a reference two to Bobby Valentine's. Yeah they said earlier didn't. And -- are very supportive and very appreciative of the job he's done. Larry you referenced my my reference to the season ticket Poland as the tempest in a -- I didn't think you got a lot of criticism for that I think back about the little little was -- Italy took a backseat. A turn for the worse when Bill James opened his mouth the sort of talk about Penn State. Yeah well yeah that's a horrible. Tragic and -- Situation. And I don't think my commenting on it now is scandalous. And anything it is the to discussion there. And then bill has been told to. It is perceived rightly or wrongly as a spokesperson for the Red Sox. And John Henry and Edgerton discussion with them and urged him to. -- in this system and kind of personal public comments regarding. Do you think the stature should come down and Penn State. Old I'm not gonna get into that. Is that that debate. Really -- Pennsylvania -- this must know better. Wednesday was always good of them a world away from the University of Pittsburgh right what do. Every University of Pittsburgh football basketball game -- could possibly go to Penn State was perceived as the evil empire. So you're like me you always knew paternalism fraud than right now. If if if -- Any else voice Jerry meter or not would do it says so well we have to do -- that does the law need cut this week aren't you watched. No no good I I do think that we should warn people that this is the. Beginning of the series as of Thursday discussions that we're gonna have which in which you guys an effort to. And our perspective and perhaps a little bit of rationality to be immediate -- -- on and in town where we -- to be. -- the front office to report to every Thursday that's of this discussion with your your management there's so they do week -- Make it positive contribution here for it to our fans for the second half. All I'm sure you're looking to this Thursday to pull looking forward to this Thursday to bowl when you say we we what do you mean to. -- mis -- -- -- for autopsy report I think most of the time. How big guy is yeah in the -- yours for you guys. But I think sometimes it would like to get and a commitment like tickets -- -- and maybe is the -- of the Charles -- -- It contributes to -- -- -- -- -- so. Opened the front office report afraid. That most of the time in the get -- That's fine with us that's -- with -- vote yes -- -- you Larry. Briefly at the time Larry Lucchino president Boston -- -- -- Dennis and Callahan on the AT&T -- AT&T forgy LT -- the wheels of term music's. We you can come on every Thursday I get the job. That's right it sounds like a pretty fair and -- Arsenal and meter will get you breakfast. -- here in the top ten I know. All of them like -- beaming jam him when he had to do to get that -- the second time this week. This show has been in the -- yes yes the only show. In Boston in the top ten in the Russian nation what's called the hot 100 -- so yes -- -- every 100. Heavy 100. And we were number seven -- meter we'd we should have narrowed it down any particular. Top five I would just. -- Wealthy -- is Smart guy where Irish pretty specific if your in the top ten. -- they're ten or nine. And a couple of things Terry and the next major lament them a yeah and I have been all of you -- your Nash who did he did it like my four years there and looked at what I told I was -- -- public should be -- do. Not that difficult but the four of the board telling him would be like -- -- off. It's a -- dot. Jerry is. There -- it will take it to about 6177790850. Your focal nets with Dennis Kelly. First baseman. Adrian Gonzales. -- -- --