How good a manager will John Farrell be? At this point, the answer is anyone's guess. His record in two years in Toronto is not a good one. However, his performance as Sox pitching coach from 2007 to 2010- working with two pitchers who shape up to be starters in 2013- was positive.
A recent article by the Globe's Peter Abraham mentions the deterioration of Jon Lester, who had pretty much been the Sox' stopper since 08. In 39 starts since September 1, 2011, his mark is 10-17 with a 4.90 ERA. Other statistics include a drop in strikeouts per 9 innings from 9.4 in three previous years to a career-low 7.3. During this time, Jon has gone from a confident, no-nonsense hurler to a guy known for early-inning meltdowns and constant bickering with umpires. It must be stated, however, that like the rest of the Sox staff, he has worked under three pitching coaches in two years, including one who was embarrassingly fired last August.
If we look at Farrell's performance as a pitching coach in Boston, many strong stats emerge. Between 07 and 09, years in which the Sox averaged 95 victories, the staff was consistently among the top five in the league in categories such as wins, ERA, complete games, saves, shutouts, homers allowed, strikeouts and walks. The numbers faded a bit in Farrell's last year, but that was an injury-plagued team with arm woes to starters Josh Beckett and Daisuke Matuszaka. Lester's mark in Farrell's final three seasons was 50-23 with a 3.47 ERA. His 19-9 record in 2010 won him some votes for Cy Young Award.
Farrell and pitching coach Juan Nieves are facing an uphill battle. Poor starting staffs seldom become good ones overnight. Veteran Clay Buchholz still suffers from inconsistency. Felix Doubront faded late in his rookie year, perhaps from overwork. Much-maligned John Lackey is coming off Tommy John surgery. Newcomer Ryan Dempster had an erratic year in 2012. Abraham does hold out hope, however, for youngsters Franklin Morales, Rubby De La Rosa, Allen Webster and Chris Hernandez. With more stability on the coaching staff, the Sox should hope to see at least some improvement.
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