BOSTON, MA - MAY 24: Mike Napoli #5 of the Texas Rangers rounds the bases after a home run against the Boston Red Sox in the fifth inning at Fenway Park on May 24, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Michael Ivins/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images)
Linking the Boston Red Sox offseason to 2012-13 offseason
In 2012, the Boston Red Sox had a new manager in Bobby Valentine. They also brought on board a new general manager with the promotion of Ben Cherington. The team was recovering from the escapades of Beer and Chicken. Manager Terry Francona was having marital difficulties.