Nightmare finally over for 2012 Red Sox

Editor’s note – both Ryan and Bruce contributed to this abbreviated post.

The nightmare of a season for the Red Sox finally came to an end Wednesday night with a brutal 14-2 defeat at the hands of the Yankees. Daisuke Matsuzaka pitching in undoubtedly his final game in a Red Sox uniform and possibly his last game in the major leagues in general, did not go out on the right note as he allowed five runs on six hits, including two home runs in just 2 1/3 innings of work. The Red Sox finished 69-93, their worst record since 1965, and they finished last in the AL East for the first time since 1992.

The first report of Bobby Valentine being fired following the season came Wednesday from CBS Sports. (Jon Meterparel “reported” this morning on WEEI that Valentine will be fired.)Ben Cherington would not comment and told reporters in New York he would not talk about the situation until following the season. It was a bit of a surprise Valentine did not make any comments directed at the Red Sox organization about the season at all during his three days in New York. It would be assumed upper-level management would meet Thursday to make a decision on Valentine with an announcement soon there after. Last season Terry Francona was let go on a Friday, with a press conference early Friday evening and it would not surprise me if it were the same this time around with Valentine.

Once the manager situation is taken care of it will be all about rebuilding the team, which will certainly keep things interesting in these parts all winter long.

Shortened links today due to a variety of factors, none of which you care about…

Valentine was a managed disaster for Red Sox – Sean McAdam doesn’t hold back in his criticism of Valentine and ownership, of whom he says “failed to take into account, however, was that, often, for every problem Valentine solves, he creates two new ones.”

On 98.5 this morning, McAdam suggested the possibility that Ben Cherington could quit if he does not get to make the decision on the next manager.

Ben Cherington plays blame game– Nick Cafardo looks back at the season at the relationships within the organization.

For Bobby Valentine and Red Sox, 2012 is a wrap- Dan Shaughnessy says Valentine did not go out “guns blazing” in his final days.

A year of chaos: The Bobby Valentine Timeline – Alex Speier looks back at an unmitigated disaster.

Bitter end for Bobby V, Sox – Michael Silverman says that Valentine didn’t change who he was right to the bitter end.

Bobby V’s longest year will end soon – Gordon Edes looks at the end of the longest year for Valentine and Red Sox fans.

Is the NBA in prime position to usurp MLB? – Ryan Hadfield wonders if the struggles of the Red Sox and the lockout of the Bruins will vault the Celtics and the NBA past the Red Sox and MLB locally.

The Patriots will face Peyton Manning and the Broncos Sunday at Gillette in a game where weather may play a factor, with rain expected and highs only in the mid-50’s. For Patriots coverage visit Patriotslinks.com.

If you tune into 850 AM this morning, you’ll hear a loop recording pointing you to 93.7 FM in preparation for ESPN Radio to take over the 850 frequency tomorrow.