John Farrell last managed the Boston Red Sox in mid-August before he left the team to undergo treatment for stage 1 lymphoma. His triumphant return came on Monday when the Red Sox defeated Boston College and Northeastern during the team's exhibition play.
Farrell successfully completed the treatment for his cancer this offseason and declared himself healthy enough to be ready to go by spring training. He proved that today when he led the Red Sox to a 6-0 win over Boston College and an 8-3 win over Northeastern.
The double-header of seven-inning games was Farrell's first action since Aug. 14. He said it was a "good feeling" to be involved in the game again.
In the first win, outfielder Mookie Betts blasted a three-run homer while Hanley Ramirez and prospect Sam Travis each had two hits. Ramirez also had a successful day at first base - his new position heading into 2016. Prospect Yoan Moncada registered two hits in the second game, as did youngster Travis Shaw. Bryce Brentz added a home run as well.
It was a good welcome back for Farrell, but there's still a lot of work to be done for the Sox' fourth-year manager.
The Red Sox have finished last in the AL East in each of the past two seasons, so Farrell has a mission in 2016. With one of the most talented rosters in the MLB, a slow start could put Farrell's job in jeopardy.
Ever since winning the World Seres in 2013 - his first year as manager in Boston - the Red Sox are 149-175 in 2014 and 2015 combined. Rumors toward the end of the 2015 suggested bench coach Torey Lovullo could take over as the team's manager in 2016 after leading the Red Sox to a strong finish following Farrell's departure. However, president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski made it known shortly after the speculation began that Farrell would be returning.
Farrell will get another crack at it in 2016 and he's in luck because the Red Sox figure to make a big splash after landing David Price and Chris Young in free agency while adding relievers Craig Kimbrel and Carson Smith in trades.
