Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry says he sees no value in talking with local media following the firing of manager Alex Cora. Marc Bertrand on 98.5 The Sports Hub is demanding accountability and action.
What We Know: The Red Sox fired manager Alex Cora earlier this season following a rough start to the season. John Henry, the team’s principal owner, has not addressed the decision publicly. Team president Sam Kennedy and chief baseball officer Craig Breslow answered media questions instead. Henry has avoided sports-radio and press conference settings for some time now, but told Fangraphs his reasoning was he didn’t see value in speaking with local media. Bertrand shared his criticism of that reasoning Thursday on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
What They Said: (All quotes via 98.5 The Sports Hub Zolak & Bertrand)
98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand on Boston Red Sox owner John Henry reason to not to speak with local media: “Is he serious with this? Is he serious? Please respect our privacy. Please respect our privacy as we fire a manager in the sport of baseball? What are you talking about? I don’t understand that at all? Such bull crap! It’s so unbelievable.”
98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand is demanding accountability from Red Sox owner John Henry: “When you’re a man in his position, you don’t answer to anybody if you don’t want to, and that’s fine. But he will continue to be a villain, which is what he is now.”
98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand finds irony if Henry’s decision to not speak with local media: “I don’t think we’re going to hear from him. To own a newspaper and not believe in accountability, transparency, public comment, any of it. That’s kind of what’s in the story.”
98.5 The Sports Hub Marc Bertrand on how Henry compares to Boston Bruins ownership in particular: “The other owners do talk. They all talk. They all have the same structure. They’ve got GMs. They’ve got presidents. The Bruins. You hear from Charlie Jacobs. Maybe not often, but he does talk. He gives interviews, does do press conferences, and he has Cam Neely and Don Sweeney and everything like every other team. He speaks up. And he still talks.”
What Remains Unclear: Whether Henry will speak following public outcry is unknown.
What It Means: Bertrand argued Henry stands apart from other owners around Boston. He’s not incorrect in his statement. Moreover, accountability is a strong suit of strong ownership. By Henry not providing at least more commentary towards the decision of his own franchise is puzzling. At the end of the day, Red Sox fans will be the ones forcing action by Henry to speak with local media. If he continues to remain silent, it could harbor ill will with the devoted fanbase.
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John Mamola is Barrett Media’s sports editor and daily sports columnist. He brings over two decades of experience (Chicago, Tampa/St Petersburg) in the broadcast industry with expertise in brand management, sales, promotions, producing, imaging, hosting, talent coaching, talent development, web development, social media strategy and design, video production, creative writing, partnership building, communication/networking with a long track record of growth and success. He is a five-time recognized top 20 program director in a major market via Barrett Medi’s Top 20 series and has been honored internally multiple times as station/brand of the year (Tampa, FL) and employee of the month (Tampa, FL) by iHeartMedia. Connect with John by email at John@BarrettMedia.com.