Bobby Valentine didn't have much to say about the firing of pitching coach Bob McClure, instead referring to replacement Randy Niemann as "a nice, stabilizing force."

"He just has the common sense approach to things," Valentine said of Niemann. "He's worked with all the guys on rehab this year -- he's been totally in charge of that. I think that they understand that he understands the throwing motion. He's been in the bullpen for a couple of weeks when Gary wasn't here so the relievers got to know him a little bit during game situations. He was in the dugout for a couple of weeks when Bob wasn't here. I think what he brings is what is needed -- a nice, stabilizing force."

The Red Sox fired McClure with just six weeks left in the season.

"Bob has been in the game a long time. He's a real good baseball guy, a very good person," Valentine said.

"Obviously coming into a new situation, there were adjustments that he and I were making as the year went on. I thought we were making them. At this time, with six weeks to go, we thought just maybe a little different voice in the clubhouse would make a little difference."