Remember the Bobby V. era? To refresh: The Boston Red Sox were managed by Bobby Valentine, who arrived after the chicken-and-beer collapse of 2011. Valentine lasted one year, replaced by John Farrell.

The 2012 season is mined in an upcoming book from David Ortiz (co-authored by Michael Holley): “Papi: My Story.” In an excerpt published by SI.com, Ortiz tells the story of how Valentine conducted spring training drills and treated players. “Maybe the Red Sox wanted to hire a daddy, not a manager,” Ortiz writes.

The Red Sox were swept by the Tigers in the season’s first series and players were restless. Ortiz: “It was impossible to ignore comments from my teammates about Bobby’s managing, how he made decisions that didn’t make sense, and how generally clueless and distant he was.”

After he was fired, Valentine suggested that Ortiz quit on the team. Ortiz writes that Valentine tried to call and apologize. “I didn’t want to hear it,” he said.

BREWERS: Outfielder Ryan Braun was put on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left calf, and Milwaukee brought up infielder Eric Sogard from Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Braun said tests revealed a Grade 1 strain, the mildest form of the injury.

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MARLINS: Major League Baseball wants the groups bidding for the team to show their cash up front, and thus far the group led by the son of former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney appears to be ahead.

METS: Closer Jeurys Familia had surgery after being diagnosed with a blood clot near his right armpit, an injury that General Manager Sandy Alderson said will sideline him for several months.

The Mets put Familia on the 10-day disabled list and said it wasn’t certain he’ll return this season.

ORIOLES: Outfielder Adam Jones, the target of racial taunts during a recent game in Boston, donated $20,000 to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri.


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