Washington Nationals: 10 candidates to replace Dusty Baker
By Ron Juckett
JOHN FARRELL
The deposed Boston Red Sox manager will earn a hard look from the Nats.
Yet, John Farrell is a Dusty Baker-clone that suffers from bad in-game decisions and a clubhouse fighting with the world. He is not the person you want running Washington the next few years.
Yes, Farrell brought Boston three American League East crowns and the 2013 World Series. His other two years saw the Red Sox finish last. As with Baker, he is a player’s manager. But, he is slow to recognize locker room troubles.
A look back at his tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays shows the same dysfunction with two fourth-place finishes. Over the last two years, the Red Sox went 1-6 in their ALDS games.
Farrell’s strength is in the front office, where he spent time with the Cleveland Indians, and as a pitching coach. With the Red Sox, he was effective in 2007 winning a World Series. If the Nats want to consider him for that role, he is a solid choice.
With his seven years at the helm, Farrell does not come cheap. His negatives outweigh the positives and he might decide a front office or bench coach position is his best option this season. Boston grinds through managers and spits them out. He might be simply fried.