The Boston Red Sox and manager John Farrell have had a fruitful relationship in their two years together. As a result, the two sides have reportedly decided to extend their marriage for at least two more seasons.
Per Ian Browne of MLB.com, the Red Sox announced a two-year contract extension with Farrell through 2017 that includes a team option for 2018:
The Red Sox have put their faith in manager John Farrell, extending his contract through the 2017 season with an option for ’18, the club announced on Saturday morning. …
Before signing the extension, Farrell’s contract was set to expire following this season, though it included a club option for ’16.
Even though the 2014 season was a disaster for the Red Sox, finishing 71-91 one year after winning the World Series, Farrell’s history with the franchise has made him a natural fit since he took over two years ago.
Farrell was a pitching coach in Boston from 2007-10 before taking the managerial job in Toronto for two years. There may be some cynics out there asking what he has done to warrant this kind of security. After all, per WEEI’s Dennis & Callahan Show, he’s had only one great year record-wise:
There is more to managing than just what happens on the field, though. Farrell provided a sense of calm during last year’s struggles, saying in a June interview with Jason Mastrodonato of MassLive.com that it’s important to remain rational through tough times.
“To me, when things are not turning out as we like, there has to be some sense of stability, some sense of calm,” Farrell said. “And if we’re all over the map, that can only compound it. I’m a firm believer in that.”
Those comments had to stick in the minds of Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington and owner John Henry, especially considering how quickly they saw the ship sink in 2012, when Bobby Valentine was manager.
Farrell’s extension gives the Red Sox players a sense of confidence, knowing their manager isn’t going anywhere, and the team is poised to bounce back after a busy offseason that saw the addition of talents like Pablo Sandoval, Hanley Ramirez and Rick Porcello.
It’s tough to find success in the American League East because all five teams are bunched so close together. The Red Sox are much better than their record last year indicated and are kicking off this spring ready to prove it.
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