WORCESTER -- Bobby Valentine has been on the job for two months, but now that spring training is drawing closer, the new Red Sox manager is eager to really get to work.
"I actually made out the first week's workout (recently),'' said Valentine Wednesday night, appearing at Worcester Technical High School where the Red Sox hosted a 2012 Town Hall with fans. "We're making sure that the new program being sent out to the players is palatable . . . But it will be a work in progress, to be sure. This will be new, different, exciting.''
For the past few weeks, Valentine has been reading scouting reports.
"I'm tired of reading,'' joked Valentine. "I've read too much. My eyes are tired. I'd like to get out in the sun and see the players."
Valentine has spoken with a number of players in recent weeks, some of whom are eager to get going on the 2012 season.
"I've talked to a few who are definitely going to be there early,'' said Valentine. "A lot of guys will show up before the mandatory reporting dates. We'll start with a volunteer session on Feb. 16 and we'll be off and running.''
Valentine has heard from new closer Andrew Bailey and starter Jon Lester -- among others -- who are set to be in Fort Myers in the next week or so.