Bobby Valentine Jabs Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriguez At Spring Training (VIDEO)

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine seems like he's getting more and more comfortable in his new role with each passing day of spring training. Valentine already engaged in a mini war-of-words with former Boston skipper Terry Francona over the recently issued beer ban. On Tuesday, Valentine turned his attention to the Red Sox-Yankees rivalry and took a couple jabs at Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez.

While talking to reporters about cutoff plays, Valentine went in depth about Jeter's famous defensive play in the 2001 American League Championship series against Oakland and claimed that the star shortstop was out of position.

"We'll never practice that. And I think he was out of position. I think the ball gets him out if he doesn't touch it, personally," he said before saying that it was far-fetched to think the Yankees practiced the play in spring training. "It was amazing that he was there. And then it was more amazing to say they practiced it. I don't believe them."

Valentine then applauded a beloved Boston player for literally taking a shot at A-Rod. While discussing the recent retirement of longtime Sox captain Jason Varitek, Valentine referenced the 2004 brawl at Fenway Park when Varitek and Rodriguez went at it.

"He is a man's man. He was a big hitter when needed," Valentine said of Varitek. "He was a leader of the pitching staff. He was able to beat up Alex. All that stuff is good stuff. He was exactly what he was supposed to be."

How would the two Yankees respond? Meh.

A-Rod simply laughed off Valentine's comments about his scuffle with Varitek, barely speaking to reporters about it.

Jeter also scoffed at the remarks, adding that the team does indeed practice the cutoff play .

"I mean, really. Think about it. We don’t practice it? We do," Jeter said. "You guys see it, so I mean, what else can I say? I was out of position? I was where I was supposed to be."

The Yankees' all-time career hits leader was said to be confused on why Valentine's comments were even being discussed, explaining that the rivalry doesn't need stirred up since it already gets "so much attention anyway."

Comments

[shawman65]

12:20 PM on 03/15/2012

I gotta think Jeter and Arod neither care what Valentine says. I think Bobby takes himself a lot more seriously than anyone else does.

[JacksonHts]

01:24 AM on 03/02/2012

Bobby V needs to take a page from Tom Coughlin: Talk is cheap, play the games.

[FDRliberal]

10:14 PM on 03/01/2012

Bobby V sounds like the Rex Ryan of Baseball

[macboo62]

03:28 PM on 03/01/2012

Bobby V is right, jeter was out of position but who cares? The Sox are better than NY, as much as i hate to say it, if healthy they can not lose.

[paddy523]

03:53 PM on 03/05/2012

Hey Doo Daa, IT'S MARCH!!!!!!!

[Showyou]

04:02 AM on 04/07/2012

Bobby should keep is mouth shut. Sux will lose this year

[BoycottFox2]

04:33 AM on 04/07/2012

Bobby should keep is mouth shut. Sux will lose this year........Lolololllololollolloll.....

[Paulie21]

08:02 AM on 03/01/2012

Bobby, you're pathetic. First of all, It's MArch 1, 2nd, as a YANKEE FAN and NEW YORKER, we're still grieving the loss of the great GARY CARTER. 3rd- you haven't majored in the show for 10 years and the last time you did you were fired by the Metsies! THE METSIES!!!!
We're scared Bobby, we're real scared....

[PowerPridePinstripes]

08:11 AM on 03/01/2012

EXACTLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! F&F!!!!!!!!!!!

[Clevelandinwi]

12:59 AM on 03/01/2012

valentine ain't gonna make it in Boston.

[houseofd]

12:24 AM on 03/01/2012

Update: Valentine has already flip-flopped on this.

[houseofd]

11:08 PM on 02/29/2012

Oh Bobby, welcome to the next team you'll be on that loses to the Yankees. Keep chirping.

[baseballgal]

09:36 PM on 02/29/2012

I love the Sox v Yanks rivalry and I love Tek

Go get'm Bobby V. I have Spring Training tickets and will see you in a couple weeks

[TOats99377]

09:25 PM on 02/29/2012

This is just like Rex Ryan when he became the coach of the Jets. They talk a good game but can't back it up when it counts. www.thelettersproject.org

[she says stroke her ego]

08:29 PM on 02/29/2012

A Rod and Jeter, two classy guys!

[PaDave]

07:54 PM on 02/29/2012

Bobby V is into self-promotion. The rivalry will be more like Yankee's vs Bobby V (and the Red Sox too) with him as manager. Valentine will seek the headlines.

[PowerPridePinstripes]

08:12 AM on 03/01/2012

you have a point! I agree with you.

[GunnyJ]

06:21 PM on 02/29/2012

Bobby V is a hack. Not a Boston fan, but I give him two seasons and he'll wear out his welcome..

[Paulie21]

08:03 AM on 03/01/2012

I give him to all star break!

[GunnyJ]

08:38 AM on 03/01/2012

True that!

[Mr Muckle]

06:18 PM on 02/29/2012

Bobby is still stinging from 2000. He's digging a Rex Ryan hole for his team.

[Michael Sutherland]

08:04 PM on 02/29/2012

YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY RIGHT MR. MUCKLE....

[Showyou]

04:05 AM on 04/07/2012

Can't wait for the next time he gets thrown out of a game and trys to hide in the dugout behind a mustache. What a jerk.

[akrazyrunner]

06:07 PM on 02/29/2012

"I think the ball gets him out if he doesn't touch it, personally"

Hey Bobby,
There is video of the play, if Jeter is not there, the run scores