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A day after
John Farrell jumped into the spotlight—via an ejection and a bad pitching decision—it's instructive to take stock of just what we have in our new skipper. First and foremost, it's what he is
not: he didn't invent the wrap, and doesn't
claim that he did. More importantly, he has built a culture that
rewards performance and demands accountability. That's a blueprint for success in
any type of organization—but it's especially useful when dealing with pampered, over-paid athletes. If you get an opportunity under Farrell and show you can play, you will get
more opportunities. Witness
Jose Iglesias and
Daniel Nava. If you don't produce—no matter what your status or salary—you will sit. Witness
Andrew Bailey,
Will Middlebrooks—and to a lesser extent—
Stephen Drew. The linchpins of this system are openness, transparency and merit. So far so good. The Carmine Hose have already hit a few rough patches—and yet they are still in first place. Through the first 78 games at least, our new manager is a rousing success.
