Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
It’s unclear who — general managers Ben Cherington and Alex Anthopoulos or team presidents Larry Lucchino and Paul Beeston — has been at the controls of the talks between the Sox and Blue Jays about Farrell. But it’s safe to assume at this point that the teams have broached the topic about what compensation is reasonable to get Farrell out of his contract and back into a Red Sox uniform.
That we haven’t heard a peep from either team suggests the Jays at least are willing to discuss letting Farrell leave with a year left on his contract. If they were dead-set on keeping him, news would have leaked out that the Sox’ efforts are futile and Farrell is staying.
So let’s assume the talks are ongoing. That leads us to that taboo word, compensation, which every Red Sox fan learned to despise last winter when the team took pennies on the dollar after excruciatingly long talks with the Cubs regarding Theo Epstein.
And surely, the compensation factor is keeping Farrell’s status shrouded in doubt and secrecy.
Is this an urgent matter? No, but it won’t take long to become one.
Yep. This is happening again. While Ben Cherington looks outside the box for a different type of manager, Larry Lucchino is working his mojo trying to get the person he thinks is the right fit for the job.
The news of the day is that the Sox are trying to figure out the right compensation package to give Toronto for John Farrell. Why is Farrell the ideal guy? Because he used to be here and knows the players? Is the guy who has a 154-170 record the past two seasons worth a couple of minor leaguers?
Farrell hasn't done anything to push himself over the top of any of the available candidates the Sox have interviewed other than the front office seems obsessed with bringing him back. This needs to get done quick as they have bigger issues to worry about like filling out this roster. The compensation will continue to draw out this process much longer than it needs to be and if it falls through, those willing to take the job now, might not be there when this is all said & done.
And then it's back to square one. Fun times.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Ausmus makes his pitch | Opportunity for Sox reflected in issues with Yankees | Eddie Yost dies at 86 | Herald: Brad Ausmus file | CSNNE: Is Farrell the right guy for the job? | Lowe drawing experience on '04 Sox | WEEI: Sox talking Farrell compensation | Sox less chaotic if Lamont was hired
