Management
John Farrell was terminated several times by fans and media in the first few weeks of the season as the Red Sox languished and a series of questionable managerial moves were made. Since the team has rebounded Farrell has now been elevated to semi-genius status – that will last as long as they win. A string of losses will result in the heads (Farrell’s) must roll response.
The performance in 2015 of interim manager Torey Lovullo places a Sword of Damocles above Farrell as fingers will point to Torey as an apt substitute when things go sour. Personal issues also have been mentioned regarding the manager and he is a holdover from a previous regime. What saves a manager’s job comes with two levels.
The first level is game management and Farrell does his share of bonehead maneuvers and even the most glorified of all managers – Joe Maddon – certainly does the same. Farrell has them in the hunt and as long as that happens he’ll be solid.
The second area is a noted strength and that is keeping a clean clubhouse – a place where discontent is minimized and nary a sour word leaks to the press about any internal discontent. The Red Sox appear to be a collection of happy campers and winning does that.
Dave Dombrowski and Mike Hazen have made the bold moves necessary to prevent the good ship Red Sox from residing permanently in Davy Jones Locker. Farrell has been given the blessing to go with the best man standing and that means some very expensive talent is on the DL or comfortably touring the International League.
Next: Red Sox Are Wasting Their Opportunity For AL East Title
Ownership has given a baseball version of Urbi et Orbi to DD and his minions and that includes carte blanche with transactions and the promise to once again unlock the vault on Yawkey Way to buy their way out of problems.
First Third Surprise: Farrell survival.
First Third Disappointment: Farrell not getting canned.
First Third Results: Very Good.
Second Third Prognosis: Excellent.
Sources: FanGraphs