Red Sox Sign John Farrell

Late Saturday night, the Boston Red Sox finally got the manager they wanted all along - John Farrell.

It has been no secret that Farrell was the Sox number one choice to be their manager, but the question was if the Blue Jays would let him go. Last year, after firing manager Terry Francona, Boston inquired about Farrell but Toronto asked for the likes of Clay Buchholz or Daniel Bard in compensation. This immediately ended talks between the two clubs and the Red Sox later signed Bobby V.


After the Bobby Valentine experiment blew up in the Sox faces, they found themselves in the same situation they did a year ago, looking for a manager that could lead the Red Sox to a championship.


Apart from trying to acquire Farrell from Toronto, the Sox interviewed four other candidates, just in case they were unsuccessful in their attempt to configure a deal with the Jays.


Numerous candidates like Yankees bench coach Tony Pena and San Diego’s special assistant, Brad Ausmus had Red Sox fans excited, but those interviews were simply a ploy to get their man in Toronto.


In the two years that Farrell was the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, they generated a record of 154-170. A mediocre record at best, but outside of Jose Bautista, the Jays didn’t have a lot of talent to make any serious noise in the AL East.


Sunday morning, Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester tweeted, “Welcome back John!! Can't wait to get back to work!! #RedSox”

Farrell was the pitching coach in Boston from 2007 through 2010. Last year, the Red Sox pitching was atrocious, having the third worst ERA in the American League. As a pitching coach, Farrell pushed the staff to be one of the best in the all of Major League Baseball. During his time, the staff was first in strikeouts, first in opponent’s batting average, first in shutouts and third in ERA.


Shortstop Mike Aviles will head to Toronto as compensation for Farrell. Boston will also receive pitcher David Carpenter to complete the deal. Carpenter is a right-handed relief pitcher. Last year, Carpenter pitched 32 and one third innings, compiling an ERA of 8.07 in relief.


With Aviles gone, it seems like the Red Sox are going to give rookie prospect, Jose Iglesias a legit chance to be the everyday starting shortstop in 2013, with Pedro Ciricao becoming a utility infielder.


Last year it took the Red Sox until November 29th to sign Bobby Valentine and by then, there was no real time to go out and get an impact player to improve the actual roster. With the Sox getting Farrell now, it gives Cherington and his staff to sit down and start molding the 2013 Boston Red Sox into a contender.