Just in case anyone was wondering Boston Red Sox reliever Alfredo Aceves is still Alfredo Aceves. Yesterday during a live batting practice, where pitchers are supposed to actually throw, Aceves nonchalantly tossed in a few pitches. New manager John Farrell asked if he was all right. Aceves eventually turned it up a bit after discussion with new pitching coach Juan Nieves.
Today general manager Ben Cherington reportedly told Aceves’ agent Tom O’Connell that the team would not tolerate these types of incidents. O’Connell arrived in Fort Myers Monday.
A source indicated Sunday that the Sox believed that Aceves was testing new manager John Farrell. Speaking with reporters after yesterday’s workout, Farrell said, “He didn’t go through the drill as intended, and we’ve addressed it.”
Aceves has a history of issues with the Sox, dating back to last season when he once refused to hand the ball to Bobby Valentine on the mound. Later in the season, upset at not being called on in a save situation, Aceves had an angry confrontation with Valentine in his office that resulted in the pitcher slamming the door and later receiving a three-game suspension.
Perhaps even more curious is why Cherington did not control the situation last year. Aceves has trade value. Apparently 2012 was not the year to deal with the petulant Aceves. The question isn’t if Aceves will act out again, it is when, so why not set a precedent now and establish a zero tolerance policy and get rid of him.
Farrell was quoted as saying, “What took place last year, I can’t speak to firsthand. I can get some background on some certain situations, but I think it’s important . . . not only for Alfredo but every other guy in our clubhouse, (that) we build that relationship and earn that trust along the way. That’s critical.”
Aceves may very well flourish on another team, but Cherrington can’t concern himself with that possibility. If the team is truly distancing itself from a disastrous 2012 Aceves has to go and go now.
