FORT MYERS, Fla. - Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, now an analyst for ESPN and WEEI, has been unusually critical of manager Bobby Valentine in recent days.

Schilling has accused Valentine of “epically’’ mismanaging Daniel Bard’s conversion from the bullpen to the rotation, an unusual notion given that Bard followed the usual procedure of starting every five days and building up his endurance.

Bard was named to the rotation on Sunday and said afterward he was comfortable with how he was used.

Schilling also claimed to have spoken to players who were critical of Valentine. Josh Beckett mocked that comment, asking if Schilling was still one of the team’s pitchers.

Schilling last pitched in 2007, although he spent all of 2008 on the disabled list while earning $8 million.

So what does Valentine think of Schilling’s attacks? The usually verbose manager had but one sentence in reply.

“I just consider the source when I hear stuff like that,’’ he said Monday.

Cook on fire

Aaron Cook was 3-10 with a 6.03 earned run average for the Colorado Rockies last season. He appeared in only 18 games because of a lingering shoulder injury.

But the 33-year-old righthander has so far been a find for the Red Sox. He allowed one run on two hits over five innings against the Nationals in a 4-2 victory Monday. In four appearances this spring, Cook posted a 1.88 ERA.

“Coming in, I did not expect him to be giving us five pretty good innings the last day of spring training, so it’s a very pleasant development,’’ Valentine said.

Cook got 11 of his 15 outs on the ground, his sinkerball working effectively against the Washington lineup. He will start the season in the rotation for Triple A Pawtucket.

“It’s been very productive, to be able to go out there and stay healthy all spring and not miss any starts or have any setbacks, that’s something that hasn’t happened the last couple of years,’’ Cook said.

“To be able to take that away this year is definitely a plus.’’

Cook, who is on a minor league contract, can become a free agent May 1 if he is not in the major leagues.

“It’s great to have that kind of depth in our starting rotation. A handful of outings like that, where he builds up his pitch count and maintains his strength, will be a pleasant happenstance,’’ Valentine said.

Aceves: No chance

Alfredo Aceves does not believe he was given a fair chance at making the rotation. The righthander pitched well in four of the five games he appeared in but was passed over for Bard and Felix Doubront.