Farrell declines interview for Pirates

by Randy Booth on Nov 2, 2007 5:41 PM EDT in News

"While I do have aspirations to manage in the major leagues in the future, my commitment to John, Tom, Larry, Theo, Tito, and the Red Sox, needs to be greater than one year for their faith in hiring me as their pitching coach. Therefore I have declined the opportunity to interview for the position of Pittsburgh Pirates manager. I look forward to contributing to and competing for another World Series title here in Boston."

I didn't even know there was anyone even considering John Farrell as their manager. It makes sense because he did a great job this year, but I haven't even thought about that notion at all. I think the Sox's coaching staff will stay pretty much the same this off-season.

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Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

I'd heard speculation that he might leave, maybe in a chat or on EEI or something. I hope he stays. Though I have to think that him turning down the invitation to interview had less to do with wanting to remain a pitching coach than the fact that it was the frickin Pirates. Talk about professional suicide. Yeesh.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 2, 2007 5:49 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

Yeah, there isn't much future in Pittsburgh. After those comments though, I think he'll be staying in Boston for at least one more year.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 2, 2007 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

This is quite possibly the most important (non)move of the season. Farrell worked with Okajima to develop the "Okie-Dokie" change-up. The staff he worked with had the lowest ERA in the AL (3.87; 2nd only to San Diego at 3.7). Both teams in the ALCS had Farrell's mark on them - he was director of player development for the Indians organization before coming to the Sox.

by 0157H7 on Nov 2, 2007 6:58 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

Also, Schilling gave absolutely raving reviews about him which says a lot.

OverTheMonster.com

by Randy Booth on Nov 2, 2007 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

Usually pitching coaches do not do very well as managers.

This rumor has been bounced around for about a month or so.

by SoxAcumen on Nov 2, 2007 7:08 PM EDT reply actions

Re: Farrell declines interview for Pirates

Usually pitching coaches do not do very well as managers.

I think that's a myth. It's sort of like saying a Senator wouldn't make a good President. There aren't that many examples of pitching coaches becoming managers. Joe Kerrigan jumps to mind, and he was terrible. But Bud Black did alright until the Pads lack of offense bit them in the a** down the stretch. Here's an SI article on pitching coaches becoming managers.

Farrell has a stellar reputation as a big-picture guy. This was after all his first year as a pitching coach. He was Director of Player Development for the Indians for the five years before that. He's stated in the past that he wants to manage. I think he took this job as a stepping stone, to get some on the bench experience and to get more exposure.

Manny Ramirez is a bad man

by tommy.otm on Nov 2, 2007 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions