John Farrell hired as new Red Sox Manager

Well, the first thing the Red Sox desperately needed to accomplish this off season has been executed. The Bobby Valentine experiment/disaster is over and now John Farrell has taken the reigns as the 45^th manager of the Boston Red Sox. Farrell is exactly what this team needs and having to give up only Mike Aviles is a trade I would make without even blinking. Farrell was the Red Sox pitching coach for 4 successful years from 2007-2010. During that time, guys like Jon Lester and Clay Buchholz pitched like all-stars and both threw no-hitters during his tenure. Since he has left we have all seen how much the pitching staff has struggled and how none of the pitching coaches could fix the problem. Out of all the players Farrell has helped, Lester is definitely at the top of the list. When asked about his thoughts on Farrell becoming the new manager Lester responded, “I think it’s a good thing, He helped mold me into the pitcher I am, the player I am. My work ethic, the work I do between starts, he really helped mold all of that.” Lester also added, “It will be good to have a familiar face and know what to expect coming into spring training. Last year we didn't know what to expect. I know John, and I’m excited to get back working with him.’’ Lester is coming off his worst season of his career after going 9-14 with a 4.82 ERA.

Besides his pitching expertise, Farrell also has very good communication skills especially with his players, something Valentine was absurdly awful at in 2012. Lester explained, “I can only speak for myself, but for me he was always up front with me. Whatever the issue -- a problem, a concern, even a dumb idea -- I always knew I was going to get a very truthful answer. I knew going forward that he was thinking of what was in my best interests. I always respected John. Whether it was about life, pitching, anything, I knew he would give me a straight answer.’’ That quote right there tells you all you need to know about Farrell, he is someone who takes what the players say to heart, gives them a straight answer, tries to help solve problems and the players respect him for that.

Respect is something that this team lacked this past season and I don’t blame the players one bit. I wouldn't have respected that douchebag Bobby V either. He continuously talked shit about his players to the press (Youkilis, Aceves, and most recently Ortiz) and repeatedly told the media details about what was said on the field and in the clubhouse between himself and the players, something that is thought of as a mortal sin in sports. What is said on the field says on the field. But with Farrell, we don’t need to worry about any of this. He is liked and respected by his players and they will play hard for him knowing he cares equally as much for them. Even from just watching his opening press conference I felt better about this team. Farrell just exudes confidence in himself and in his team. He is someone who won’t be afraid to bitch a player out (in house, of course) if they break a rule or aren't doing the necessary work to succeed. There have been numerous stories I have heard in the past about Farrell yelling at the lazy Red Sox pitchers if they skipped a workout or a run and apparently the players then got right up and completed their work because they feared the wrath Farrell could bring. That’s exactly what this team needs and with John Farrell at the helm I think we will see a vastly improved product taking the field next year.