Bobby Valentine Could Be Joining Baseball Tonight

Former MLB Manager, Bobby Valentine, has spent what seems like a lifetime coaching in Japan, but that could be changing soon. According to the NY Daily News, are return to the States is a "done deal", and that his employer will be ESPN....

Television industry and baseball sources say Valentine, completing his final season as manager of the Chiba Lotte Marines of Japan's Pacific League, is on the verge of signing a lucrative multi-year deal with ESPN.

Valentine, no doubt carrying his bag of disguises, will likely make his debut at the network working in its "Baseball Tonight" studio during next month's playoffs.

"It's a done deal," one source said. "And it should be announced soon."

This would mark Valentine's second tour of duty in Bristol. In 2003, he replaced Buck Showalter in ESPN's "Baseball Tonight" studio.

Again, I don't know why they need to add yet ANOTHER analyst, but Valentine's hiring will sure make a splash for the Playoffs. I remember him having a few problems back in 2003, but he's done so much TV since then, that it shouldn't be a problem this go around.

Bobby Valentine close to making return to TV, nears deal with ESPN (NY Daily News)