John Farrell is the top choice of the Boston Red Sox to manage the team in 2013 and beyond. Wanting something doesn't mean they can just have it, though: since Farrell is still under contract with the Blue Jays, some kind of deal would need to be worked out.
After seeing how long compensation took with the Theo Epstein situation last winter, you have to imagine the Red Sox aren't keen on spending much time negotiating compensation, should it come to that. This is an in and out situation: ask about Farrell, move on, or move in depending on the answer. Boston hasn't even reached that stage, apparently, as John Farrell said on MLB Network that, as far as he knows, the Sox haven't even asked Toronto about him:
"I am the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. That's where I've been the last two years and that's where I currently am."
"If the Red Sox have contacted Alex, I'm unaware of that... I can tell you this: In my conversations with Alex, it hasn't distracted me from my job and what the commitment there is. I'm extremely challenged, happy as the manager of the Blue Jays. But it's obvious that there's a vacancy to fill there and they're going about their interview process as it is."
Farrell can't say much even if he were unhappy, because, unless the Red Sox approach the Blue Jays, he has no out in the last year of his deal. But it is intriguing to hear that Boston hasn't bothered to talk to Alex Anthopoulos, or, not enough so that the Toronto GM has bothered to fill Farrell in.
Boston is interviewing Tim Wallach on Friday, and plan to talk to Brad Ausmus early next week. If Farrell hasn't heard anything yet -- and he would, because he would need to make a decision about whether he wants to go to Boston or not -- and the Red Sox are going forward with other candidates, then it sounds like they're setting themselves up to resolve things quickly. Think of it this way: if the Sox like Ausmus, or Wallach, or whoever, but like Farrell more, they can check in on the cost for Farrell. If that price is recoil-worthy, then it's back to Ausmus, Wallach, or whoever. They already know how they feel about Farrell, so that is all about whether he's available. If the price is unrealistic, they didn't waste time sitting around for Farrell and the decision of the Blue Jays, letting other teams scoop up all their favorite managerial candidates.
This should be encouraging for those who think the Red Sox have tunnel vision with Farrell, too. They like him, but they've passed up on acquiring him before. If the price is once again wrong, then maybe they'll pass him up once more.