John Farrell’s ejection shows exactly why the Red Sox shouldn’t fire him
Red Sox manager John Farrell was ejected in the second inning of the ALDS Game 4.
Red Sox manager John Farrell was ejected in the second inning of Game 4 of the ALDS for arguing a called strike three. The Red Sox loaded the bases with no outs in the bottom of the second off Charlie Morton. Following a strikeout, Dustin Pedroia walked up to the plate with one out. As a result of a called strike three, Pedroia was rung up by Morton. Pedroia, furious with the call, began to scream at the umpires. Then, Farrell came sprinting out from the dugout. Farrell was consequently ejected for arguing the call in what could be his last game as Boston manager.
Although the call was close, Farrell made the right decision to argue it. The Astros, up 2-1 at the time, escaped the inning with no damage done. Farrell took matters into his own hands during a pivotal time in the game. And it’s better to see Farrell ejected, rather than the veteran leader Pedroia. How this matter is viewed internally and what it means for Farrell’s job will depend on how the Red Sox front office sees the incident.
Ultimately, it was Farrell’s decision making that kept the Red Sox in the series to begin with. His excellent use of David Price in Game 3 shut down the Astros offense and forced a decisive Game 4 in Boston. Farrell was trying to do the same in arguing the call for his team Monday afternoon.
Although it may not be the best individual look, this incident proves to Boston fans that Farrell puts the well-being of his team above that of himself. With Farrell gone for the remaining seven innings of Game 4, the Red Sox team now needs to return that favor to Farrell.