Red Sox: What could possibly go wrong for Boston in 2017?

Jul 8, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sean O'Sullivan (62) pitches during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Sean O'Sullivan (62) pitches during the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; National Harbor, MD, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo speaks with the media on day two of the 2016 Baseball Winter Meetings at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Why can’t we get a manager like Torey Lovullo?

That John Farrell is still the manager of the Red Sox is quite a surprise for me – like finding a $20 bill rolled up in your pants pocket. Farrell was fired thousands of times during the 2016 season and the two previous seasons. Blame the manager actually appeared quite legitimate and it culminated with the decision to use Wright as a pinch runner. Bonehead moves became internet fodder and I am guilty as charged.

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Lovullo was the bench coach and the assumption was Dombrowski was just measuring the time and waiting for the appropriate opportunity to can Farrell. What happened is just the opposite as Farrell has been retained and extended while Lovullo has joined the Red Sox management march to Arizona.

Farrell has all the talent and is well noted for running a tight ship – no leakage of internal issues. Players respect Farrell and that seems to be the key that turned the tide for Dombrowski. Farrell has the security of contract and more importantly security of confidence by senior management.

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The Red Sox need players to be on top of their game and especially Farrell. Farrell – a former pitcher and pitching coach – has been given the reigns of the best staff I have ever seen in Boston and that is a lot of years, folks. Farrell starts reverting to being Pinky Higgins or Don Zimmer then it will be goodbye to that 100+ wins.

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