Reds hire John Farrell as scout

The Reds have hired John Farrell to serve as an organization scout, according to CTrent. Peter Gammons provides some details, saying Farrell’s primary task will be evaluating the pitching talent throughout the entire organization.

Farrell was fired after five years as the manager in Boston despite reaching the postseason in three of the five and winning the World Series in 2013. Prior to manager the Sox, he spent a few years as the team’s pitching coach and two years managing the Blue Jays.

This is about as intriguing as lower-level front office hires get. With current manager Bryan Price working under yet another one-year contract and carrying a weak .426 winning percentage in his four years at the wheel, Farrell’s presence gives the Reds a veteran skipper who can easily step in and run the day-to-day if they decide to give Price the ol’ heave-ho. Of course, that is all bald speculation on my part, so discretion is advised.

Less obliquely, Farrell is a long-time baseball man with an impressive record of success, especially as a pitching coach. The Reds currently boast an enviable stable of impressive young pitching talent, so bringing in a sage to evaluate and refine the lot seems like a particularly bold and inspired move. Once again, Dick Williams and Co have shown a level of foresight and introspection that sets them apart from their predecessors. Though they may not be spending much money on the Major League payroll (I wonder what Farrell thinks of Alex Cobb?), they are continually plowing resources into talent development. I like this move a lot.