Are John Farrell's Managerial Decisions Costing The Red Sox?
BOSTON (CBS) -- At 6-6, the Red Sox have had a truly trick-or-treat start to the season. One night, the pitching looks dominant, other nights it can't hold a lead. One night John Farrell makes the right moves, other nights he does not. Perhaps most concerning is the inconsistent start for Craig Kimbrel, who at times has looked unhittable but has also blown two games (in non-save situations).
Red Sox beat writer Tim Britton of the Providence Journal joined Adam Jones to talk about the early-season issues surrounding the Red Sox, and didn't put Kimbrel's struggles high on the list. He's more worried about the lack of depth in the bullpen with Carson Smith sidelined than Kimbrel's own performance.
"The stuff is there, so don't worry about [Kimbrel] overall," said Britton. "I still don't think he's one of your main concerns if you're the Red Sox."
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One of the bigger concerns, perhaps, is John Farrell's managerial decisions, both in-game and off the field. Farrell has certainly felt the sense of urgency to start the season, but with a 162-game schedule also needs to look at the big picture, a tricky balancing act for any manager.
"There have been individual moves [by Farrell] here and there that I think all of us have questioned," Britton said of Farrell's management to start the season. He added that the early injuries and overall structure of the roster has made it more difficult for Farrell to manage effectively, but that the Red Sox manager can still improve his decision-making.
"I think he's trying his best to win early in the season while also understanding [long-term management]. ... I think it's an imperfect roster that he has managed imperfectly so far."
Britton also spoke about Clay Buchholz's excellent outing on Patriots Day. Listen to the full podcast below:
