The Red Sox introduced John Farrell as the 46th manager of the Red Sox on Tuesday. As the manager to take over after the tumultuous Bobby Valentine era, Farrell made sure to make a few points clear: His team will play hard, and the lines of communication will be open.
Not a bad place to start after the Red Sox finished in last place in the AL East with a dysfunctional clubhouse that at time featured players whose play was uninspired.
"Our effort is controlled every night," Farrell said after trying on his Red Sox cap for the first time since leaving the Red Sox -- then the pitching coach -- for the manager's job in Toronto.
"It's something we can control. To give forth our best effort is a minimum."
Interestingly, Larry Lucchino was not present at the press conference. Ben Cherington was the only member of the front office there to introduce Farrell, perhaps a concerted effort on its part to show that the Farrell hiring was Cherington's decision.
Farrell didn't exactly have a great run during his time in Toronto, but Cherington still believed that he is the best man to turn the Red Sox around.
"Managing in the big leagues is not an easy gig," Cherington said. "It's one thing to talk about it in theory. It's another to go apply it and make those decisions in the dugout. One can only improve and be strengthened over time with experience."
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Farrell made it clear that this was the place he wanted to be. For him, it certainly appears to be the "dream job" it's been reported to be.
"This is arguably the best place in the game," he said. "If there weren't any challenges, I wouldn't be sitting here . . . I love take on the challenges. It's an incredible city, it's an incredible baseball environment, with a first-class group of people."
More to come on Farrell's introduction. Be sure to check out our Red Sox Talk blog for all the latest updates throughout the day.