ST. LOUIS — The Red Sox have compiled a very good list of managerial candidates this time around, and at the top of that list should be Brad Ausmus.
Ausmus, a Cheshire, Conn., native and Dartmouth graduate, interviews with the Red Sox Wednesday. He probably will be the smartest man in the room, and he should be impressive when grilled by the Sox hiring team.
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I agree with you Nick that Brad Ausmus would be my first choice. He's young, smart, energetic, a former catcher who knows the game and someone with local connections as well. If they decide Ausmus is not their guy then I would move onto Tony Pena as my second choice. Third would be Dave Martinez and if none of those three are available, only then would I pursue John Farrell.
Auks us would be a great choice.
I too fall into the 1. Ausmus, 2. Pena line. I do not think Farrell would be the answer except for the pitchers. Smart guy, but time to bring in someone NOT associated with the Sox for years. Ausmus always impressed me as a knowledgeable catcher who had a good feel for the game. And I have always liked Pena. Why did the Royals let him go???? Manager of the Year with their quality of roster and they let him go. Somewhat akin to the Marlins letting Joe Girardi go.
Last year, Mr. Cafardo anointed Bobby Valentine as the best choice for manager. So much for headlines like "Brad Ausmus the best choice for Red Sox manager."
Manager searches are somewhat important, sure, but nowhere near the magnitude of talent searches. While I'll agree that giving up any money or any player for Farrell (and his suspect record in Toronto) is follhardy, I can see Pena, Ausmus, or Wallach doing just fine at the helm. Players with talent and heart -- and without attitude and inflated senses of self -- are the real keys to turning this around, however. Good luck, Ben. You'll need it.