If You Love Something, Set it Free...

I've decided that I want to write about this John Farrell-to-Boston story/rumour/Nick-Cafardo-Baseless-Speculation.

Mostly, it's because I can't make up my mind about what I think. I think a blog post will help me organize my thoughts.

I really do agree with Alex Anthopoulos that the best way to attract the best talent, long term, is to allow them the freedom to pursue (what they perceive to be) better opportunities. This is very similar to any other work environment. Also, I would not want to employ someone that doesn't want to be with my organization, or was holding a grudge for being denied an opportunity. The Jays would be in an pretty good position in that they conducted such a thorough search last year, that they would be well prepared to hire another candidate. (Likely DeMarlo Hale, Sandy Alomar Jr, or Dave Martinez)

But I really hate the idea that Farrell could be going to a division rival. I hate that he had the chance to spend a year learning "on-the-job" and honing his mangerial style. The idea of letting him go to Boston for nothing would really irritate me. I would also hate the optics of the move, in that it would be tantamount to an admission that Toronto is a second-class city, that develops talent for 'bigger' organizations.

The other side of me just doesn't understand the story. Farrell just got to Toronto, built his own coaching staff, and has worked closely with the entire front office, who rave about him. Would going to Boston really be worth starting over? Maybe they'd pay more? I'm just not sure. Every report so far seems to assume that Farrell would jump at the opportunity, and would buy a house in Boston before his interview was finished.

At the end of the day, I really think I'll let this story play out some more. The Jays won't really suffer that much if Farrell did choose to leave, as there are plenty of capable replacements. The Red Sox would likely improve, but I believe that they will anyway, regardless of the new manager. The optics would be unfortunate, but it may never come to that.

Well, I guess that's at least some kind of resolution. Feel free to try to sway my opinion in the comments.