John Farrell set to return to Boston as manager
Numerous media outlets are reporting that Boston Red Sox have hired John Farrell to be their next manager. The Red Sox and Farrell have agreed on a multi-year deal with an official announcement expected to come later, perhaps Monday or Tuesday at Fenway Park.
Farrell is a former pitching coach for the Red Sox (2007-2010) and for the past two seasons has managed the Toronto Blue Jays. Farrell will become the 46th manager in team history.
The Red Sox asked for and received permission to speak to Farrell directly, an indication that negotiations for compensation for allowing Farrell to leave were progressing.
Compensation for the Blue Jays has not been confirmed by either party involved, however, WEEI.com reports that the Blue Jays are receiving middle infielder Mike Aviles, who batted .250/.282/.381 with 13 home runs, 14 stolen bases and 60 RBI in 136 games this past season for the Red Sox.
Bob Elliott baseball columnist for the Toronto Sun reports that Adam Lind may be headed to the Red Sox as part of the deal.
Farrell played a significant role in the development of pitchers, Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester, and Daniel Bard.
“It would be cool for him to get back and pick up where he left off with us,” Buchholz said in September. “I think everyone liked him when he was here. He was always upfront about everything; he was all business. He was an easy guy to talk to if you needed help in some category of the game.” Boston.com
The Red Sox interviewed Padres special assistant Brad Ausmus, Dodgers third base coach Tim Wallach, Yankees bench coach Tony Pena and Orioles third base coach DeMarlo Hale, however Farrell was the favorite for the job from the beginning.
Boston had expressed interest in Farrell at the end of the 2011 season, when Terry Francona was dismissed, but the Blue Jays were against him leaving at that point. Farrell replaces Bobby Valentine who was fired a day after the season ended. The Red Sox were 69-93 under Valentine
