Farrell will stick with Sox
MLB. It looks like the Sox won’t have to worry about replacing rising star/pitching coach John Farrell next season.
Farrell has opted against throwing his hat into the ring for the vacant Pirates managerial position, despite strong interest from newly installed Pittsburgh GM Neal Huntington.
“We are thrilled that John has decided to stay with the Red Sox,” said GM Theo Epstein.
The 45-year-old Farrell was a key member of a quality front office team with the Indians prior to this season, but left the administrative work behind for a chance to again put on a baseball uniform as a member of the Sox’ coaching staff.
“To be on the front edge of a competitive event every night, that’s what brings out the fire in all of us,” said Farrell. “That was one of the basic reasons I took the opportunity [with Boston].”
Farrell has voiced an interest in managing at some point, but deflected queries about the Pirates rumors in the hours following Boston’s World Series victory.
“This is a day and night for this organization to celebrate,” said Farrell, when questioned about his interest in the Pirates’ spot Sunday night. “It’s not about any one person and it’s more about all of us taking the satisfaction of the work that we’ve done all year long.
“[My interest in the Pirates job] has been nothing more than rumor,” added Farrell.
Those particular rumors heated up in recent days, but — in the end — the chance to work with Boston’s young and talented starting rotation won out over a massive rebuilding challenge with a lowly and cash-strapped Pirates organization.
Farrell succeeded Huntington, a New Hampshire native, as the Indians’ director of player development six years ago, and the Sox pitching coach was reportedly high on Huntington’s list of potential candidates.
The Bucs’ front office, which has to fill four positions, including manager, scouting director and player development director, now turns its attention to White Sox coach Joey Cora, Indians third base coach Joel Skinner, and Dodgers bench coach Dave Jauss. The Sox can now rest a little easier knowing that Farrell is returning to the AL’s top pitching staff next season.
“Every time jobs open you’re going to justifiably hear his name,” said Sox skipper Terry Francona. “He’s a star. His name is going to get mentioned because he’s just too good.”