But when Valentine and general manager Ben Cherington emerged from the meeting, they only had good things to say.
Cherington said he is "very satisfied" with Valentine and his performance, even after Saturday's loss and the Red Sox falling to 4-10. Principal owner John Henry and team president Larry Lucchino also went to the meeting and voiced their support afterward.
"The players will always influence wins and losses more than anybody else," Cherington said. "That's no different here."
Cherington said it's Valentine's job to work with the roster he has, and that's what he's been doing.
"Along the way, if changes need to be made on the roster, that's my responsibility," Cherington said.
Some tweaks have already been made, with Mark Melancon taking some time in Pawtucket. But another change that was suggested directly after Saturday's loss — moving Daniel Bard back to the bullpen — didn't get any traction with Cherington.
The plan now is to work with the players where they are, Cherington said.
"The first thing to focus on is helping the guys on this pitching staff perform better," he said. "Any changes, whether it's role or additions, those are things we'll talk about in time."
But Cherington was clear about one role that he wants to remain the same for a while: his manager's.
"He's doing the best he can with the roster he has," Cherington said. "It'll get better. He knows that, and I know that."
And it probably didn't hurt Valentine to hear that.
