Well, I was right about the Tigers and wrong about the Cardinals.
For the record, Detroit wasn’t a perfect prediction. Didn’t see that sweep coming.
Anyway…
2012 World Series: San Francisco over Detroit in six games
Remember, predicting is just a fancy way of taking a guess.
– The Hek
I’m glad it’s over.
When I first heard the Red Sox were interested in John Farrell, I doubted it. But as this rumour was becoming a reality, I eventually made peace with it.
The idea of Farrell leaving the Blue Jays never upset me. What made me want to pull my hair out was how this story turned into a giant monster. The smallest hint or the latest report caused a disturbing frenzy online. Those who didn’t like Farrell were jumping for joy. Others were salivating at what kind of compensation would be sent to Toronto. This is what happens when a team performs below expectations; a mountain from a mole hill.
Some time over the last year, John Farrell decided managing the Boston Red Sox was a better opportunity than managing the Blue Jays. I cannot fault him for that. This is – for lack of a better term – his dream job. We’ve all wanted to be in that position and I bet no one would pass on such a chance.
AA and the Jays had no choice. They had to let him go. Why keep someone who doesn’t want to be part of the organization? It’s counterproductive. Even if the Jays won 90 or more games, Farrell would still go to Boston. Heck, even if Farrell was managing a different team – say, the San Diego Padres for example – he would still go to Boston. Once Bobby Valentine was fired and the opportunity presented itself, the so-called writing was on the wall.
There are two important items to stress.
First, the Blue Jays didn’t give up Farrell to the Red Sox. They didn’t let Boston “steal” or “woo” him away. John Farrell chose to return to Boston. Sure, AA could’ve presented Farrell with a contract extension. But I doubt that would’ve made a difference.
Second, choosing to manage the Red Sox is not a slight on the Blue Jays or the city of Toronto. Some decisions might’ve backfired here and there, but there’s no way Farrell just went through the motions while wearing a Jays uniform. He wanted the Jays to win, regardless of any disagreements he may have had with AA. Think about it: Would the Red Sox really want someone who “mailed-it-in” or didn’t care about what happens on the field? It’s not worth shedding tears and Blue Jay fans shouldn’t take it personally.
SN590’s Jeff Sammut asked listeners if they would boo Farrell when he returns to Toronto. I gave it some thought and although I’m not mad at John Farrell, I’d still boo him. For starters, he’s the opposing manager and it is the notorious Boston Red Sox.
I don’t blame John Farrell for making this choice. I understand and respect it.
Still, “getting dumped” stinks.
– The Hek
In case you’re interested, here were my picks for the Wild Card round and LDS. As you’ll see, I was perfect with the Wild Card; 1/4 with the LDS, although that one was a perfect prediction.
Anyway…
American League Championship Series: Detroit over NY in seven games
National League Championship Series: St. Louis over San Francisco in six games
Remember, predicting is just a fancy way of taking a guess.
Enjoy the LCS!
2012 was a wild and rough season for the Blue Jays, filled with inconsistency and injuries.
Jared MacDonald of the TheGoodPoint.com and JaysProspects.com breaks down the year, highlights certain players and considers what the Jays should do in the off-season.
Episode 14 Direct MP3 Download
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