Well, we've done it again. The media has killed another rumor by overhyping it, causing a team to officially shoot it down. This time, the media played a hand in killing the rumor surrounding Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell and his potential return to the Boston Red Sox to fill their managerial void. But it was overplayed, and the Jays did this.
Blue Jays team president Paul Beeston and general manager Alex Anthopoulos issued a joint statement that read: "Due to the distraction caused by media speculation regarding our employee permission policy, the Toronto Blue Jays have amended their policy and will not grant permission for lateral moves." (via MLB.com)
Farrell managed for the first time in his career last season, guiding the Toronto Blue Jays to an 81-81 record and a fourth place finish in the American League East, one of the toughest divisions in baseball. Farrell had served as the pitching coach under Terry Francona prior to his managing stint in Toronto from 2006 through the end of 2010.
Farrell, a pitcher himself, played eight major league seasons from 1987 to 1996 with theCleveland Indians, California Angels and Detroit Tigers. Farrell had a 36-46 record with a 4.56 ERA and 355 strikeouts in 116 career games.
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