The Red Sox have officially announced that John Farrell will be their new manager. The team announced that Farrell has been signed to a three-year contract that will run through 2015.
Boston is sending veteran infielder Mike Aviles to the Toronto Blue Jays as compensation for releasing Farrell from his contract as that team's manager. The contract was set to run through next season. In addition, the Red Sox will receive right-handed pitcher David Carpenter from the Blue Jays.
The 50-year-old Farrell was the Red Sox' pitching coach from 2007 to 2010.
"I'm extremely excited to be returning to the Red Sox and to Boston," said Farrell, according to a team news release. "I love this organization. It's a great franchise in a special city and region, with great fans, and we want nothing more than to reward their faith in us."
AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File
FARRELL
"We are thrilled to name John Farrell as our new manager," said general manager Ben Cherington said. "John has been a major league pitcher, front office executive, coach, and manager. His broad set of experiences, and exceptional leadership skills, make him the ideal person to lead our team. I have known him in various capacities throughout my career, and I hold him in the highest regard as a baseball man and as a person."
Farrell's Blue Jays were 81-81 in 2011, his first year as skipper, but slid badly to a 73-89 mark last season.
"John Farrell brings a unique blend of managerial experience, leadership and presence, pitching expertise, front office experience, and an established track record with many members of our uniformed staff and members of our front office. He will hit the ground running," said team president Larry Lucchino.