“He handles all and more than he’s supposed to,’’ testifies manager Terry Francona, who has known Farrell since they were teammates in Cleveland two decades ago.
Farrell’s contractual duties are more than enough to keep him occupied, tending to a staff that this season has included two dozen pitchers (not including three positional players pressed into service) and 11 starters ranging from a 42-year-old knuckleballer to a 22-year-old Pawtucket call-up, plus four catchers.
More than anything else, it’s the variety and depth of their pitching that earned the Sox a club record sixth postseason berth in seven years and a divisional playoff date with the Angels. Much of the credit goes to the 47-year-old Farrell, who began preparing meticulously for this season as soon as last season ended.
“It starts with the individual needs of every pitcher, whether they’re starter, reliever, closer and whether the needs are physical or mental or fundamental,’’ he says. “You address those with a de tailed plan and continue to monitor throughout the course of the season.’’
Communication major
Farrell’s approach is grounded in exhaustive preparation and candid communication, with the Bards receiving as much attention as the Becketts.
“That’s what sets him apart,’’ says closer Jonathan Papelbon. “He treats everybody the same. He’s up front with everybody and he makes sure he communicates with the staff on a daily basis.’’
In the three years that Farrell has been on the job, the Sox have won one World Series, have been one game from playing in another and have a good chance to make it to a third after a campaign during which the club went from having “too much’’ pitching to worrying that it might not have enough. Daisuke Matsuzaka missed most of the season while strengthening a weakened throwing shoulder. Tim Wakefield missed more than a month with a lower back strain and won’t be available for the division series. Brad Penny and John Smoltz came and went.
