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| BOSTON -- When Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell's name started surfacing on the managerial rumor mill a couple of weeks ago, manager Terry Francona was happy for his friend, but he also offered a thought. "I don't know how ... we'd replace him," Francona said. As it turns out, the Red Sox will not have to replace Farrell. The highly respected pitching coach will return to the World Series champions in 2008. This, after Farrell turned down an opportunity to meet with the Pittsburgh Pirates regarding their managerial vacancy. Farrell issued a statement through the Red Sox on Friday. "While I do have aspirations to manage in the Major Leagues in the future, my commitment to [owner] John [Henry], [chairman] Tom [Werner], [president/CEO] Larry [Lucchino], [general manager] Theo [Epstein], Tito [Francona] and the Red Sox needs to be greater than one year for their faith in hiring me as their pitching coach," said Farrell. "Therefore, I have declined the opportunity to interview for the position of Pittsburgh Pirates manager. I look forward to contributing to and competing for another World Series title here in Boston." Farrell had been the director of player development with the Indians for five seasons before coming to Boston to join the Red Sox and his longtime friend Francona. The 3.87 ERA posted by the Sox during the regular season was the second best in the Major Leagues. Several veterans, including Josh Beckett, Curt Schilling and Tim Wakefield, credited Farrell as a big reason why the pitching staff was so successful. "He's a star," Francona said repeatedly of Farrell during the season. The star is staying put, and the Red Sox don't need to find a new pitching coach. |