Farrell will manage the American League at next month’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and Francona will be part of his coaching staff. Farrell named his coaching staff Tuesday, and that list included his former boss. Farrell served under Francona in Boston when Francona was managing the club and Farrell served as pitching coach.
The two enjoyed plenty of success last season in their first seasons in new positions. Farrell helped turn around a last-place Red Sox team and won a World Series in his first year as Boston’s skipper. Francona landed in Cleveland, where he won AL Manager of the Year honors, just edging out Farrell on his way to leading the Indians to the playoffs.
Farrell also tabbed Minnesota Twins manager Ron Gardenhire as an assistant. Gardenhire is in part a hometown decision with the All-Star Game being played at Target Field in Minnesota.
St. Louis Cardinals manager Mike Matheny will manager the NL All-Stars. He’s turning to Atlanta’s Fredi Gonzalez and Colorado’s Clint Hurdle for his assistants.