How John Farrell Rejuvenated The Boston Red Sox.
After one season of controversy and poor play, the Boston Red Sox fired manager Bobby Valentine, and traded for Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell. Farrell, who had previously served under the beloved Terry Francona as his pitching coach, helped guide the Boston Red Sox to their most recent World Series championship in 2007.
Farrell brings to the table, several of the elements that made Francona so successful during his tenure in Boston. He treats players like men, rather than children under his watchful eye. Farrell’s experience as both a former major league pitcher and a well-respected pitching coach, has already had an impact on several key members of the Red Sox pitching staff.
One of those players is Clay Buchholz. The past couple of seasons have been forgettable for Buchholz, as he battled injuries and inconsistently, and wasn’t even assured a job with the big club heading into the 2013 season. Returning to the tutelage of Farrell, Buchholz and staff ace Jon Lester are fulfilling the promise thrust upon both of them prior to Valentine’s arrival. The impact of Farrell on Lester and Buchholz, have the Red Sox out in front of the AL East standings early in 2013.