Farrell: Boston the 'epicenter of the game'

The Red Sox officially introduced John Farrell as the 46th manager in team history Tuesday at a press conference at Fenway Park. Farrell spent the past two seasons as the manager of the Blue Jays before previously serving as Red Sox pitching coach from 2007-10.

"This is an incredible privilege," Farrell said. "I really feel like we have a chance to hit the ground running. I'm honored and extremely humbled to be standing here today."

In his opening remarks, Farrell detailed the type of vision he has for the team on the field. "I truly believe in an up-tempo, aggressive style of play. It will certainly take into account the strengths of our roster. To play that style of game does create an attitude that I think is critical to win at the major league level and that's to be relentless with our effort, with our preparation, with the work and competiveness we take the field every night. That is of the utmost importance in how we play."

Farrell replaces Bobby Valentine, who went 69-93 in his one season in Boston. Under Valentine, there were many reports about issues with trust within the clubhouse. Farrell explained how he would earn the respect of the players.

"It's something that you earn, you develop, and you have to maintain it with a consistent approach. That doesn't mean it's always going to be rosy. There's going to be challenges, there's going to be tough conversations to have with individual players, but I think the willingness to have those conversations and to be candid and upfront, that's where you can earn that trust, day in and day out."

When asked about making a seamless transition from the Blue Jays to the Red Sox, Farrell responded, "Boston is in my mind the epicenter of the game. To come in and have at least four years of experience previous, not having sat in the seat but to be close to it, that energy and what people expect holds people accountable for the effort they put out every single night."

For more Red Sox news, visit the team page at weei.com/redsox [1].