BOSTON -- Dave Dombrowski removed a lot of the drama from the Red Sox offseason by starting his Tuesday press conference with the news that John Farrell will return as manager.
"He has the respect of the clubhouse," said Dombrowski, shutting down anti-Farrell sentiments flowing through portions of the fan base and media. "We played well."
Dombrowski also said Farrell's entire staff -- Torey Lovullo (bench), Carl Willis (pitching), Chili Davis (hitting), Ruben Amaro Jr. (first base), Brian Butterfield (third base), Brian Bannister (assistant pitching) and Victor Rodriguez (assistant hitting) -- "will be invited back" as well, though he said Lovullo is free to pursue other managerial opportunities.