In his first season with the Sox in 2007, he helped the team boast one of baseball’s best pitching staffs en route to a World Series title. From then on, it seemed like a matter of when Farrell would be given the opportunity to manage a major league franchise rather than if he would ever get such a chance.
Farrell earned a reputation as a coach who could develop young players — specifically pitchers. His impact was seen in young pitchers like Clay Buchholz, Jon Lester and Jonathan Papelbon, who all came up through the Red Sox system and excelled upon their arrival.
In the early 2000s, as director of player development for the Cleveland Indians, Farrell helped build a solid farm system, which was even named baseball’s best by Baseball America in 2003.
But Farrell faces a tall task in Toronto, where the Blue Jays have only finished better than third in the AL East once (2006) since winning the World Series in 1993.
All of Toronto’s starting pitchers are 26 or younger, meaning Farrell will once again need to develop players in order to maximize their impact.
The Blue Jays are 7-7 thus far. Their team ERA (3.29) and team batting average against (.232) are both fourth best in the American League.
But with division rivals — like the Red Sox and Rays — struggling to start the season, particularly offensively, will the Blue Jays' success last?
The Blue Jays hit the most home runs of any team in baseball last season, and were forced to try and outslug teams. With Farrell’s arrival, though, the culture of the Blue Jays is expected to change. Only time will tell if success accompanies that change.
How many games will John Farrell win in his first season as Blue Jays manager? Share your thoughts below.
Saturday, April 16: Will Yunel Escobar or Dustin Pedroia finish the year with a higher batting average?
How Many Games Will John Farrell Win in His First Season as Blue Jays Manager?Market Research
