Boston Red Sox: David Ortiz praises John Farrell’s five-year run with Sox

Retired Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz had nothing but kind words when expressing his support for former manager John Farrell.

While the Boston Red Sox announcement of the firing of John Farrell on Wednesday did not come as a surprise to many, not everyone is down on the former skipper.

Playing under John Farrell for four seasons, including a World Series championship and two last place finishes, retired Red Sox slugger David Ortiz offered a voice of support for his former manager.

During a segment on Fox Sports on Wednesday he offered some kind words.

"“I live in Boston, and in Boston, the whole talk sometime during the year was that that was going to happen,” Ortiz said during the segment.  “Managing in a big market, it’s a survive-and-advance type of job, so it finally ended up happening.  I played for John, and John was a good manager to me.  He kept things under control in the clubhouse.  But like I said, managing in a big market is hard.  It’s not an easy thing to do.”"

Though Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski did not offer a clear reason for the firing, it was Farrell’s lack of control of the team that has served as speculation for the dismissal.

Clubhouse issues?

There may possibly be deeper reasons, as reported by WEEI’s Rob Bradford, but two quick exits in the playoffs the past couple seasons as well as some questionable managing decisions have certainly played a part in moving on from Farrell.

With a lack of leadership in the clubhouse, it became obvious a shakeup was needed.  While Ortiz has offered words of support, he was the type of leader the team has missed during the 2017 season and is perhaps why Farrell had an easier time controlling the clubhouse prior to Big Papi’s retirement.

A search for leadership

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In any event, John Farrell did have success in Boston that will lead him to another managing job eventually.  As for the Red Sox, they have to find that leadership within whoever they hire as the next manager or at least find a player who fill the void left by Ortiz.

The latter is a very tough task as Dombrowski found out in 2017.  Therefore, the greater hope lies in whoever he believes is the best choice for the job.

Farrell grateful for his time in Boston

Despite the firing, John Farrell remains grateful for his tenure in Boston.  In a statement released on Wednesday, the ex-Red Sox skipper thanked the ownership group.  He also thanked fellow coaches, Red Sox Nation and especially the players he managed.

"“I am especially grateful for five years of great players – and people,” Farrell wrote.  “This game has always been built around and for the players, and I have tried to respect that for five years in Boston.  I have witnessed Hall of Famers, memorable Fenway wins and countless private moments that will always be with me.  Those relationships will remain cherished for years.”"

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Cherished will be that 2013 championship team that made the city of Boston stronger than ever.  Unfortunately, John Farrell will be remembered for the four mostly disappointing seasons that followed.