After speaking to Magadan and general manager Ben Cherington, Valentine moved swiftly to retain him. Just don't expect any more announcements on the rest of the coaching staff soon.
"I talked to a lot of candidates, but with the certain situation here, Ben feels it's very important –– as I do –– I think we're going to take a little longer than shorter," Valentine said. "So Ben and his staff can concentrate on his business at hand here."
Despite the chaotic week ahead, Valentine still hopes to interview at least one candidate this week. Even if he achieves that goal, the first-year Red Sox manager said all decisions would likely be finalized after Christmas weekend.
Regardless of his selections, Valentine intends to take a hands-on approach with the pitching staff. But he maintains that he wouldn't meddle with the responsibilities of the future pitching coach.
"I don't try to teach mechanics because I think if you teach an incorrect mechanic, you can cost a kid a career," Valentine said. "I put that in the hands of expert people to deal with the throwing process."
"But I like to be part of the pitchers, though. In game, I like to make decisions and know what they throw, how they feel, how they go about getting people out. The pitching staff has a crucial part of the team as anything and I like to be responsible for that."
In the meantime, Valentine has reached out to his current roster. And before bolting Texas, he expressed a desire to personally visit pitcher Josh Beckett –– who hails from Spring –– in a voicemail to the ace.
"I told Josh in the message, 'I'll be in Texas, if you want to scoot down, say hello,' allow him to put his cowboy boot up my butt and start fresh," Valentine said. "But I haven't connected with him yet."
