It seems that everytime there's a managerial opening in baseball during the winter, the name Bobby Valentine comes up as a possible replacement. Ever since he left the New York Mets in 2002, Bobby has been across the Pacific Ocean managing the Chibe Lotte Marines, but that hasn't stopped his name from popping up in various places. Of course, it hasn't come to fruition because Bobby is still in Japan.
Well, it looks like Bobby has had just about enough karaoke and crazy television game shows, because word is out that he's been calling a few people back here to let them know he's available.
We're hearing more and more that Bobby Valentine, 58, is sending out feelers to return to the States to manage. He earns $1.5 million per year managing the Chibe Lotte Marines but appears to be growing weary of Japan and would love to return home to manage. "I know he's sent e-mails to a few 'future' GMs," said an American League scout. Valentine reportedly was interested in returning to the Mets, but they ended up retaining Jerry Manuel. He now has his sights set on Seattle, while Milwaukee also could be a possibility.
Why anybody would want to take over the Mariners managing job, I have no idea, but Milwaukee may be a good fit for Valentine if the Brewers choose to let Dale Sveum go.
