Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine goes off on radio host 'If I were there right now, I'd punch you right in the mouth' By QMI Agency

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine got into a verbal altercation with a Boston radio host Wednesday. (JESSICA RINALDI/Reuters file photo)

So, do you think manager Bobby Valentine already has thrown in the towel on a lousy Boston Red Sox season?

Don't suggest that to his face or he just might smack you.

A Boston radio host asked Valentine over the phone Wednesday whether he had "checked out" on the season.

"What an embarrassing thing to say. If I were there right now, I'd punch you right in the mouth," Valentine responded on Boston sports radio station WEEI. "Ha, ha. How's that sound? Is that like I checked out? What an embarrassing thing."

Valentine, in his first season as Red Sox manager, said he wants to return in 2013.

"I think (the season) has been miserable, but it has also been part of my life's journey," Valentine said. "You learn from misery."

ANOTHER SHOT AT BOBBY V

Valentine was criticized for being late to a game in Oakland last weekend when the Red Sox skipper arrived shortly after 4 p.m. for a 7 p.m. start.

Valentine defended himself Wednesday, saying he was picking up his son at the airport and the flight was late. And, he noted, "Joe Maddon (Tampa Bay Rays manager) gets there everyday at 4 o'clock, just for the record."

To which Madden tweeted: "Apologies to the writers for being late to today's pre-game session. My pedicure appointment ran a little late."