It's becoming clearer and clearer that Bobby Valentine will not return as Red Sox manager in 2013, despite being under contract for next year.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today writes that Valentine is likely a goner when the season's over:

Don't blame the Boston Red Sox mess on him. The manager wasn't the answer and really never had a chance. Just look at the 63-75 record.

And so Valentine will be fired virtually the moment the season ends Oct. 3.

Earlier this week there were rumors the Red Sox might be interested in bringing back former Boston pitching coach and current Blue Jays manager John Farrell to manage in 2013. But Nightengale mentions another man, someone else currently employed as a major-league manager:

If they can't pry away Farrell, who'll be the focus of attention at Fenway Park today as the Blue Jays open a three-game series there, look for the Red Sox to turn to Mike Scioscia if he is fired by the Los Angeles Angels.

If they can't get either, they'll be more likely to bring back Grady Little than keep Valentine.

Little, who hasn't managed in the majors since 2007, isn't likely coming back, but Nightengale's point is that neither is Valentine. If the Angels do make the playoffs and have a deep run, that could save Scioscia's job. With a new general manager in Anaheim, Scioscia no longer has the power he once did, and if the Angels flop this year with their expensive additions, Jerry Dipoto could opt for a change.

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