« WORKOUT DAY: The art of grinding out at-bats
Main
WORKOUT DAY: Red Sox pitchers taking BP »
October 26, 2007
BY SEAN McADAM
Journal Sports Writer
DENVER -- The Red Sox don't want to lose John Farrell after just one season, and that now seems less likely.
Farrell is almost certain to be contacted by the Pittsburgh Pirates for their vacant managerial post, given that the Pirates' new GM is Neal Huntington, who worked closely with Farrell when the two were with the Cleveland Indians.
In fact, Farrell's name is beginning to circulate around the game. The New York Post reported Friday that had the Yankees extended their field of candidates to replace Joe Torre beyond the initial field of three -- Don Mattingly, Joe Girardi and Tony Pena -- they were planning to ask the Sox for permission to talk to Farrell.
But it's precisely that glowing reputation that leads the Sox to believe Farrell won't be tempted to take the Pirates position if it's offered. The Pirates have suffered through 15 straight losing seasons and rebuilding into a contender will take additional time.
If Farrell remains with the Red Sox, he'll gain more dugout experience and, given the team's success, gain additional exposure. Soon, it's believed, Farrell will have the opportunity to interview for more attractive jobs.
That would suit the Red Sox just fine. After Farrell implemented an organization-wide pitching program, the Sox don't want to start over again after just one season.
Farrell is one of the game's highest-paid pitching coaches -- with an annual salary thought to be approximately $350,000 -- and indications are the Sox would be willing to boost that some in order to convince Farrell to remain with the team.
Posted by Sean McAdam 
at 5:07 PM | Permalink
