Sox, Jays Make If Official: Farrell Boston’s New Manager

The rumor mill on this one can be shut down. The man the Red Sox have long sought to be their manager, John Farrell, is doing just that.

Sep 27, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell (52) looks on against the New York Yankees at the Rogers Centre. The Blue Jays beat the Yankees 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIRE

After the sacking of Bobby Valentine, Red Sox Management said they were going to make quick work of their managerial search so they could focus on rebuilding a battered team and shredded public image with their fans. Consider phase one complete.

"Whether Farrell is best man for the job is a matter of debate. The fact that Boston has wanted him to be the man in the dugout since Terry Francona’s firing in 2011 is clear."

FOXSports.com reported that infielder Mike Aviles would be headed to Toronto as compensation, while the Blue Jays will also part with first baseman Adam Lind.

Previous to making the decision, The Red Sox had interviewed four other candidates to be their next manager. Dodgers third-base coach Tim Wallach, Yankees bench coach Tony Pena, Padres special assistant to the general manager Brad Ausmus and Orioles third-base coach DeMarlo Hale.

Farrell, 50, compiled a lackluster 154-170 record in two seasons while managing the Blue Jays.

I’m back

I’m back in the saddle again

I’m back

I’m back in the saddle again

– I’m Back In The Saddle, Aerosmith