FORT MYERS, Fla. — Boston Red Sox Manager John Farrell said Thursday he recognizes his team hasn’t met expectations the past two years.
A good start would go a long way this season, Farrell said as pitchers and catchers reported to spring training.
After bringing in left-handed starter David Price for seven years and $217 million to be their ace and Craig Kimbrel in a trade with the Padres to be the closer, expectations are high for the Red Sox to rebound.
But the expectations and past results don’t change the approach, said Farrell, entering his fourth season managing the team. He led Boston to a World Series title his first season.
“It doesn’t change the intensity or the thoroughness that you go about each and every day,” he said. “We just want to put every guy in a position to succeed and that should allow us as a team to hopefully get off to a good start.”
Farrell is healthy after leaving the team in August because of a cancer diagnosis. He was given a clean bill of health 10 weeks later.
“It causes you to slow down a little bit and maybe see some of the smaller things in life a little bit more clear,” he said. “Your awareness to your surroundings becomes heightened. You appreciate every day more than you have. It goes back to the relationships you have with people and the fortunate ability to be involved in a great game with a great organization.”
NOTES: All Red Sox pitchers and catchers have reported except right-hander Joe Kelly, the leading candidate for the fifth spot in the rotation, whose wife recently gave birth. He’s expected early next week. … Hanley Ramirez, who is expected to play first base for the first time in his 12-season career, took some grounders on one of the back fields. …Third baseman Pablo Sandoval will return to switch hitting after abandoning it last season. … All the pitchers are healthy except for right-hander Brandon Workman, who is still recovering from Tommy John surgery and isn’t expected to appear in a game this spring.
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