Bobby V brings buzz to New York airways

Bobby V brings buzz to New York airways

David Goldman/AP

Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine throws the Bombers, their fans and their networks a curve as he agrees to appear regularly on ESPN radio show with Yankees’ YES TV announcer Michael Kay.

The truly obsessed view the Yankees-Red Sox rivalry as a war. If thats the case, General Bobby Valentine has found an encampment deep behind enemy lines.

Thats how Yankees diehards will view ESPN-1050s ingenious decision to hire Bobby V to participate in a weekly segment throughout the baseball season on The Michael Kay Show. Valentine debuted Wednesday in a prerecorded interview.

This is an unprecedented move. Not only is ESPN-1050 brass giving the hated Red Sox and their equally despised new skipper a huge New York platform, it marks the first time a manager from outside the market has been given a regular gig on a local sports-talk station.

Making this alliance even more intriguing and combustible is Kays role. In case anyone has forgotten, he is the TV voice of the Yankees on Al Yankzeera. He is also the host of The Joe Girardi Show on the same outlet. Some Yankee fanatics will now view him as a double agent, a male Mata Hari.

The realit y is this: In the Byzantine world of Yankee politricks, Kay will have to walk a fine line. Wonder how Yankee brass feels about its signature voice working as Valentines set-up man?

And how will the Yankees high command view ESPN-1050, which is looking to land Bombers radio rights, providing Public Enemy No. 1 with cover, comfort, and a grand local forum? Will Yankees prez Randy Levine and his posse hold that against 1050 honchos?

Nonetheless, Kays sitting chilly with plenty of material to work with and controversy lurking around every corner. Like the first time a YES voice takes a shot at Valentine and Kay gets to ask him about it. Thats just one of the elements that should make Valentines 1050 segments, which will air live every Friday, a compelling listen.

And its only a matter of time before Kay asks Valentine: Bobby do you consider yourself an elite manager?

The whole psychology thing is big with Valentine. He no doubt figures the radio g ig is a way he can further tweak the Yankees on their home turf throughout the season while managing the message, too. Still, money (duh) had to play a huge role in all this.

Valentine said he turned down an offer from WFAN. So, he had both sports talk outlets bidding (likely in the high six figures). Add the 1050 loot to what he will also earn from WEEI radio in Boston and Valentine is making a nice chunk of change for work outside the dugout.

When it comes to baseball managers, 1050s cupboard was bare. WFAN had the market monopolized with both Joe Girardi and Terry Collins under contract.