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Ben Cherington On Felger & Massarotti

BOSTON (CBS) – Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington has a lot of work to do as he tries to clean up the mess that was the 2011 Boston Red Sox.

"Obviously we found out a lot that had happened after the season was over," Cherington said, noting that the front office did not find out soon enough about players drinking in the clubhouse during games.

"It's not in keeping with what we expect from our players, and I think they understand that now," Cherington told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Felger and Mazz on Wednesday. "Whatever behavior occurred in the clubhouse, that wasn't consistent with what we expect from the players. We'll address (that) directly with the players."

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That is one of the many things Cherington will be looking into in his first season as general manager, and could lead to a clubhouse ban of alcohol.

"It's something we're considering. There are no options that have been taken off the table. It's possible we remove it. We tend not to make decisions in this organization in a rash way."

"If beer isn't being used responsibly, drinking during the game is not responsibly, that's not acceptable."

But Cherington said there is no question as to the Sox bringing back starter Josh Beckett, who was one of the three pitchers connected with the drinking in the clubhouse, and reportedly gained 20 lbs. during the season.

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"We bring him back because he's one of the best pitchers in the major leagues," said Cherington, who also said he thinks Beckett is fully motivated to be a staff ace and winner.

While Cherington said he would like to bring in new manager with a "strong voice," the players will also have to do their part to repair the clubhouse.

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"The players do have to police themselves to some degree too; they have to be accountable to themselves and be accountable to their teammates," said Cherington. "We have to get back to reaffirming what we're about. Our best teams players have been accountable to themselves… we need to get back to that."

"I think we have extraordinary talent in this organization, on and off the field; enough to be really good in 2012 and beyond… and then there are areas that need to improve."

More From Ben Cherington:

On Jason Varitek

"I can tell you that I've seen Tek play here for a long time, and I've seen what he's gone through to put himself on the field and play at times when probably not a lot of people should do that."

"We could quibble about if someone should have a 'C' on their jersey… everything I saw from Tek, there is no question in my mind he should be a leader."

On The Possibility of Daniel Bard joining the rotation

"He's a candidate for a lot of different things in the game. He's a talent that can participate in a lot of different roles." Cherington also said he would wait until a new manager is brought on to decide about any player's role in 2012.

On The Health of Kevin Youkilis

"Youk is an incredibly important part of the team. It's a big offseason for him and he knows that. He plays his heart out when he's on the field… he knows as he gets a little bit older, he's going to need to make adjustments; to give himself a chance not just play more in 2012 but to extend his career."

"We expect him to be our third baseman in 2012."

On The Issues Signing Free Agents

"I certainly understand the criticism… the return hasn't been what anyone expected, including (Carl) Crawford and (John) Lackey. These things have to be judged over time. If Lackey is healthy and in a good frame of mind, I would bet on him being a good pitcher for us in 2013."

Click to listen to the interview in it's entirety:

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