Red Sox manager John Farrell is well aware of the widespread criticism of his in-game management. Many instances of strange decisions have plagued him throughout the year leading the manager to address the problem. Oddly, he plans to rely on longtime friend Terry Francona, the opposing manager in the ALDS, for help.
“Tito and I go back a long way,” Farrell explained. “I know I can run something by Tito, and he’ll give me an honest answer. For instance, during the game, I might call over to him and say, ‘Hey, Tito, do you think we should throw Napoli a fastball here?’ He has promised me he’ll give me an honest answer and won’t use it to his advantage. That’s true friendship.”
“Of course I’ll be honest with him,” Francona told the press, appearing to suppress laughter, though the grapefruit-sized wad of tobacco in his mouth made it difficult to tell. “I honestly believe Hanley Ramirez should be starting in left field. I believe Mookie Betts, Papi, and Pedey need to be
rested. And I believe Porcello should be taken out after one inning so that the bullpen gets some work. I have shared these honest opinions with my dear friend.” Francona then broke down in convulsive laughter. “And he believed me! I'm so happy!”
Farrell later confirmed getting Francona’s suggestions. “I’m going to follow all of them,” he explained. “But, I gotta tell ya’, people say I make bad decisions, but listening to Tito’s decisions? How does he ever win a game?”
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