Farrell, Nieves Continue to Set To Right Tone in Fort Myers
New Red Sox manager John Farrell, holding true to this word, has come out the blocks, well, managing. The first challenge to this new regime’s law and order attitude happened yesterday and it didn’t take long to get things straight.
September 26, 2012; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox pitcher Alfredo Aceves (91) prior to a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Alfredo Aceves took the mound to throw live batting practice, a simulated game situation with Jarrod Saltalamacchia at the plate. Aceves lobbed the first pitch into the plate. New pitching coach Juan Nieves immediately stepped to mound and had a quick conversation with Aceves. Aceves’ next pitch still wasn’t quite up to snuff. Farrell approached the mound and from about 10 feet asked Aceves if he was injured. Aceves’ next pitch was fired into the plate fulfilling on the request to simulate game conditions.
The exchanges were brief with no drama before or after the clarification. Aceves was opaque when questioned in the locker room after the workout. “It’s in the team,” Aceves said. “Stays in the team.” AT least he got the team part right.
"Farrell, when interviewed after the session said, “He didn’t go through the drill as intended and we’ve addressed it.” Short, sweet, direct and to the point."
I think regarding Aceves it all depends on his respect for the manager. For most of the 2011 season he was lights out for Terry Francona. He and former skipper Bobby Valentine clearly didn’t like one another and Aceves tanked in nearly every role under Valentine in 2012, at one point storming his office in an attempt to dress him down, which earned him a three-day suspension.
It appears yesterday was another in a series of Aceves instigated button pushing incidents. There’s a new sheriff in town boys and he’s apparently not in a mood to mess around.
Guess who just got back today?
Those wild-eyed boys that’ve been away
Haven’t changed, haven’t much to say
But man I still think them cats are crazy
– The Boys Are Back In Town, Thin Lizzy