About now, all the Farrell apologists should be eating some crow or have egg on their faces or some other appropriate idiom. LOL!!!
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About now, all the Farrell apologists should be eating some crow or have egg on their faces or some other appropriate idiom. LOL!!!
Farrell, on the whole, was a successful manager with the Red Sox. One World Series Championship and two division titles in 5 seasons. He was the victim of bad personnel moves in 2014 and 2015 in addition to some major drop offs in key player performances. He also faced the personal challenge of cancer in the middle of the 2015 season. All in all, nothing to be ashamed of and plenty to be proud of. Despite the firing, he can leave with his head held high.
I have been a fan since 1986 - if you rack and stack the Red Sox managers? Distinct dropoff between #3 and #4.
1. Terry Francona
2. Jimy Williams
3. Joe Morgan
4. Kevin Kennedy
5. John McNamara
6. Bobby Valentine
7. Joe Kerrigan
8. Butch Hobson
I am certainly one of the apologists even though I too have expressed dismay on occasion. In the event, as I said elsewhere, I have always believed that no manager is indispensable. Some are better than others, no doubt, but all are expendable.
But since you brought this up, I would add the following--
First, to remind, I am fine with Farrell being fired for whatever reason.
Second, however, he did manage a team that won the AL East 3 times and the WS once in 5 years.
Third, granted, he lost three straight to the Indians last year and 3 of 4 to the Astros, but in both instances had starting pitchers who absolutely stunk--Price and Porcello in 2016 and Sale, Pomeranz, Fister, and Porcello this year. On top of that his ace reliever Kimbrel absolutely blew game 4 this year.
Fourth, of the four teams--Cleveland, Houston, New York, and Boston--in the ALDS, the Red Sox had by far the lowest net runs scored--+117. The other three, in order, had +254, +196, and +198. Interestingly, two of the latter three are in the ALCS. And, if the Nationals beat the Cubs, they and the Dodgers will also constitute 2 of the top 3 in the NL in net runs scored (the 3d is Arizona).
Fifth, the Sox had by far the best record in MLB this year in extra inning games, which are those games mostly likely to demand more of a manager.
Sixth, however, I mean it when I say I have no quarrel with DD's decision. Yes, Ortiz was gone. Yes, Price spent a lot of time on the DL. Nevertheless, there was some real talent on this team and it is entirely possible Farrell did not get the most out of what he had. I don't think so, but don't mind saying I could be wrong.
Seventh, on the other hand, espn, ever the rabble rousers, have a new article on the Sox: "With Farrell gone, Red Sox are all Dave Dombrowski's mess now." I personally think DD has done more good than harm and also think John Henry won't want to fire him. Still, Price needs to deliver on that hefty price tag, Porcello does too, Sale may need to be rested more than a typical ace would need to be, I still have my doubts about Pomeranz, the Sox may in fact need to hire a big bat, etc.
1. Terry Francona (no question)
2. Joe Morgan (2 divisions with not a lot of talent, who can forget "these guys aren't as good as they think they are" after he was let go)
3. Jimy Williams (went back and forth between him and JF, in the end, the 2 last place finishes knocked Farrell down)
4. John Farrell (1 title is a big plus)
5. John McNamara (2 mediocre seasons sandwiched around what should have been the year)
6. Kevin Kennedy (1 unexpected division title)
7. Grady Little (blew the 2003 pennant)
8. Butch Hobson (ranks above the other 2 only because of the talent he had, see Joe Morgans comment above)
9. Bobby Valentine (disaster with a very good team on paper)
10. Joe Kerrigan (the fact that he lasted about 40 games says a lot)