Cormack on MLB: Farrell fallout roundup

Less than three weeks ago, Alex Anthopoulos was “100 per cent” confident John Farrell would be managing the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013.

This morning Anthopoulos is at work looking for Farrell’s replacement.

What seemed so unlikely a short time ago is now a reality: John Farrell is the new manager of the Boston Red Sox and the Toronto Blue Jays are left to explain why they let their manager out of his contract to join a division rival.

Here’s a selection of some of the reaction and fallout from the news, from perspectives north and south of the border including the Red Sox clubhouse.

AT SPORTSNET.CA:

Shi Davidi says it takes two to cheat in a relationship, and Farrell offered just enough encouragement to let the Red Sox know he was interested.

On MLB Central, Gregg Zaun says the Blue Jays didn’t get enough for Farrell, while Alan Ashby says the jury is still out on Farrell as a manager.

Ken Rosenthal tells Barry Davis the Blue Jays have a right to be angry with the Boston Red Sox and he looks at some possible Farrell successors.

Blue Jays first base coach Torey Lovullo is expected to join Farrell in Boston, but he tells Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi, “nothing has been hammered out yet.”

Mike Wilner writes that once it was determined Farrell wanted out, the Blue Jays gained more than they lost in acquiring Mike Aviles.

Ricky Romero tells Shi Davidi he was “caught off guard” by the Farrell news Saturday night.

Stephen Brunt suggests that by letting Farrell go to Boston, the Blue Jays have decided he’s not another Bobby Cox.

THE VIEW FROM BOSTON:

Now that Farrell is on board, the hard work for GM Ben Cherington begins, writes Peter Abraham.

Alex Speier of radio station WEEI offers five takeaways from the Farrell transaction.

As of early Monday morning, a poll at bostonglobe.com indicates Red Sox Nation is split over the hiring of Farrell.

Steve Buckley writes now that Cherington has his man, the front office must stand back and let him lead.

Alex Speier writes Farrell’s biggest task is obvious: figuring out Boston’s pitching.

Jen Slothower suggests the quick hiring of Farrell is evidence of the team’s resurgence.

Gordon Edes writes now that GM Ben Cherington has his man, it’s now his neck on the line.

THE VIEW IN CANADA:

Jeff Blair says what really ought to sting for the Blue Jays is “the realization that the past two seasons will look a total waste to many of their fans and consumers.”

Bruce Arthur suggests losing Farrell is another example of the Blue Jays coming up short.

Brendan Kennedy asks, did the Red Sox tamper with John Farrell?

RED SOX PLAYER REACTION:

Red Sox left-hander Jon Lester tells ESPN Boston, “it’s a good thing” Farrell is returning. David Ortiz says Farrell is his “main man.”

Dustin Pedroia, whom Farrell made quite clear during his time in Toronto he is quite fond of, says he is “excited” to have Farrell back.

WHO IS MIKE AVILES?

Aviles told the Boston Globe Monday he was “shocked” by the trade to Toronto.

In this fine profile by Jeff Passan back in 2008, Aviles has been proving people wrong his whole life.

Mark Zwolinski says Aviles was the key to the Farrell deal, and recaps the brief Farrell era in T.O.

Boston Globe Red Sox beat reporter Pete Abraham says the Blue Jays are getting a first class individual:

Aviles himself took to Twitter Sunday afternoon:

WHO WILL TAKE OVER FOR FARRELL?

Bob Elliott ranks 16 candidates for the Blue Jays openning and as you might expect with a list that long, there are a few surprises.

Nick Cafardo, the man who broke the news Friday that talks between the Blue Jays and Farrell were advancing, suggested Ryne Sandberg could be a candidate in T.O.

Hot managerial prospect Brad Ausmus is disappointed he didn’t get the Red Sox job, but said he will listen if another team approaches him.

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