Cherington Has Proven Me Wrong

Ben Cherington has proven me wrong in regards to the Boston Red Sox managerial search. Back on October 29th I posted a blog predicting Dave Martinez of the Tampa Bay Rays would take over the reigns in Boston, becoming the Red Sox 42nd manager in club history. It seemed like a solid choice at the time.

Fast forward a couple of weeks and this morning on the Remy Report, Jerry linked to an article posted on ESPN Boston stating that Ben Cherington was quoted as saying "I wouldn't rule out adding another person, but there are no plans to." This was in response to the 5 managerial candidates that the Red Sox are interviewing for the position: Pete Mackanin, Dale Sveum, Sandy Alomar Jr., Torey Lovullo and Gene Lamont.

In my original piece I had written off Sveum as being not "high profile" enough, while I stated that according to information posted by Buster Olney, Torey Lovullo appeared to be staying put in Toronto. Sandy Alomar was number 2 on my list while Pete Mackanin was number 4. Gene Lamont was not even on my radar, which says something considering I listed a total of 17 names that were heavily rumored to be "in" on the position.

Of the remaining five candidates my prediction world has been rocked upside down. I still maintain that I do not find Mackanin or Alomar (as much as I like him) to be the man for the job. Gene Lamont would probably have to fall into the 5 spot for me, considering my lack of consideration beforehand. Dale Sveum does not come across to me as the type of manager that would be able to walk into the Red Sox organization and steer this ship. I do think he would make for a fine manager of the Chicago Cubs.

That leaves Torey Lovullo, a man I had written off because of what appears to have been a bad tip. Why does he appear to be the best fit for this team? First of all, he has been in the Red Sox organization, formerly managing the Pawtucket Red Sox. He is well aware of the expectations fans in Boston have of their team. Secondly, he is an 8-year veteran of Major League Baseball, playing 8 seasons between 1988 and 1999. Third, he is only 46 years old. He is young enough to relate to this team.

Lovullo has been coaching for 10 years, breaking in with the Cleveland Indians organization back in 2001. He has been widely considered a rising star in the managerial ranks, doing a fine job everywhere he has been. Lovullo comes across as a man that can handle the pressure in Boston and be able to handle some pretty significant egos in the process.

So, Ben Cherington you proved me wrong. Dave Martinez is not the next manager of the Boston Red Sox; Torey Lovullo is. That is my final answer and I am sticking to it.