Red Sox manager to urge ‘aggressive’ play

John Farrell pledged to create “an up-tempo, aggressive style of play” after being formally introduced as the 46th manager of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Tuesday.

A Red Sox pitching coach from 2007-10, Farrell returns to Fenway Park after spending the last two seasons in charge of the Toronto Blue Jays, where he compiled a 154-170 record.

“As far as what you can expect from us on the field, I truly believe in an up-tempo, aggressive style of play,” Farrell told a news conference. “It will certainly take into account the strengths of our roster, that’s a given.

“To play that style of game, it does create an attitude which I think is critical to win at the major league level.

“And that’s to be relentless - with our effort, with our preparation, with our work and the competitiveness that we take to the field every night. That’s a non-negotiable as far as I look at it.”

The 50-year-old takes over from Bobby Valentine, who was fired by the Red Sox earlier this month after just one season in which Boston went 69-93 to finish bottom of the division.

World Series champions twice in the last eight years, the Red Sox finished 26 wins behind the division champion and rival New York Yankees.

Reuters