Valentine Calls Globe Report "Lazy Journalism"

UPDATE, 10:00 AM:

Jose Iglesias has been optioned to Pawtucket.

Christopher L. Gasper, Globe:

A wedge appears to be forming between new manager Bobby Valentine and new general manager Ben Cherington on the best way to employ Daniel Bard, starter or reliever, and the best place to employ shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias, Fenway Park or Pawtucket.

Valentine reportedly told scouts from outside the Sox organization he wants Iglesias, not utilityman Mike Aviles, as his starting shortstop. ...

Valentine has been lukewarm, bordering on openly cynical about Bard’s conversion from setup man to starter, a centerpiece of Cherington’s team-building blueprint, and a report, citing an anonymous Sox staffer, said Bard would be returning to the bullpen when the games begin for real.

Don’t forget that Cherington didn’t choose Valentine. He was foisted upon him by Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino ...

Disagreements between a manager and a general manager happen all the time. ... But what makes this one different is that it could define the influence that each man has in the Sox decision-making hierarchy and who has the ear of Lucchino.

Gasper's report is not the only one suggesting a difference of opinion on a variety of key issues.

Sean McAdam of CSNNE reported five days ago that Valentine favours Iglesias at shortstop over Aviles or Nick Punto.

CBS's Danny Knobler wrote this past weekend that Valentine would rather have Ryan Lavarnway as his back-up catcher, and not Kelly Shoppach. Cherington reportedly wants Lavarnway to begin the season in Pawtucket.

Valentine:

I think it's lazy journalism. That's what I think. I think it's an easy story to write. It has no validity. Absolutely none. I could have written it in on December 3d. Are you kidding me?