Farrell Proclaims He Is Still With Blue Jays

Apr 9, 2012; Toronto, ON, Canada; Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell (52) looks on from the dugout before their game against the Boston Red Sox at the Rogers Centre. The Red Sox beat the Blue Jays 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-US PRESSWIREToronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell took the the airwaves on Friday morning to talk baseball with MLB Network Radio. As could be expected, the topics ranged from team injuries, the downfall of the 2012 team, and of course expectations for 2013.

And with discussion of 2013 in play, the question arose about Farrell’s name being tied to the open managerial position in Boston, where he served as pitching coach from 2007-2009.

"“I am the manager of the Toronto Blue Jays. That’s where I’ve been the last two years and that’s where I currently am,” Farrell said."

The proclamation serves the purpose of heading off the subject, but still left open a door for further speculation about where Farrell stood on the subject of returning to Boston and how that was affecting him in his current role.

"“This speculation started to rear its head again probably the final two months of the season. I can tell you this: In my conversations with [Toronto GM] Alex [Anthopoulos], it hasn’t distracted me from my job and what the commitment there is. I’m extremely challenged, happy as the manager of the Blue Jays. But its obvious that there’s a vacancy to fill there and they’re going about their interview process as it is.“Nothing has been communicated directly to me. If the Red Sox have contracted Alex, I’m unaware of that. Where it stands is what I said: [I’m] manager of the Blue Jays.”"

The answers serve more of a mixed bag than anything else at this stage. It answers the question about whether or not Alex Anthopoulos has approached Farrell in regards to flipping him to Boston, or even to gauge his interest. to that, the obvious answer is that they have yet to do so. And with the Red Sox starting to interview candidates at this stage, that window may be closing.

On the other hand, Farrell said nothing in regards to his own interest level in the position, something I am sure is contractually driven or could even borderline tampering. Still, he could have easily put it to bed by saying he wants to finish out his contract in Toronto and have been done with it.

Until he makes that proclamation, let the speculation continue.