Red Sox’ Valentin Moved From Shortstop to Second

The Boston Red Sox bumped John Valentin from shortstop to second base and gave him two days off to think about the move, which he had long resisted.

Manager Jimy Williams said before Saturday’s exhibition game against the Texas Rangers that he has decided to go with top prospect Nomar Garciaparra at shortstop. Williams also said catcher Mike Stanley will be a part-time designated hitter and Wil Cordero will play left field instead of second base.

“It’s best to do it all in one day, if you really believe it,” Williams said of the sudden announcement. “We really believe that with these people in these spots, we can have a better baseball team.”

Valentin’s move to second base had been expected since the team made Garciaparra its No. 1 pick in the 1994 amateur draft and anointed him as the shortstop of the future.