Tag: john farrell

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Sports

‘Intangibles’ give Gomes nod in LF

> By any statistical measure, Daniel Nava should be drawing the start in left field for the Red Sox in Game 3 of the ALCS Tuesday afternoon. The switch-hitting Nava has a slash line of .322/.411/.484/.894 against right-handed pitchers. He has faced Game 3 starter Justin Verlander just once, but hit a three-run double and drew a walk in four plate appearances. That was in Fenway Park on May 29, 2012.

> The right-handed hitting Gomes, meanwhile, has a slash line of .258/.341/.404/.745 vs. right-handed pitchers. He has 13 plate appearances in his career against Verlander. He is 0 for 9 with 3 walks and a sacrifice fly.

Decisions like this make me nervous. The *right* decision, without looking at outcomes, is to play Nava. Of course, everyone will evaluate Farrell’s decision based on how well Gomes plays tonight.

Categories
Sports

The Arguments for John Farrell

Some potential reasons why the Red Sox selected John Farrell. I like the idea that Mike Aviles is being sent to Toronto to start telling other players how awesome it is to play in Boston.

Categories
Sports

Getting John Farrell from the Blue Jays

I think I prefer the Red Sox hiring Tampa Bay Rays bench coach Dave Martinez for their next manager. Yes, Farrell might be more of a known commodity, but I think having someone who has seen first hand how Joe Maddon gets guys ready to play could end up being just what this young Red Sox team needs. Besides, if Martinez does not work out, the Red Sox can go after Farrell when he is no longer under contract with the Blue Jays[^fn1].

[^fn1]: That might be as early as next year, since it seems like Toronto is not particularly wild about him