MLB: Boston Red Sox confirm John Farrell as new manager

John Farrell: New Boston Red Sox manager

Former Toronto coach John Farrell has been officially unveiled as the new manager of the Boston Red Sox.

The 50-year-old, who used to be the pitching coach at Fenway Park, enjoyed little success with the Blue Jays as they went 154-170 in his two years in charge.

But he has been lured back to Boston, who slumped to 69-93 this season - their worst record for almost 50 years - before parting company with Bobby Valentine.

"John has been a major league pitcher, front office executive, coach, and manager," said Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington.

"His broad set of experiences, and exceptional leadership skills, make him the ideal person to lead our team."

Farrell, a former pitcher for Cleveland, the California Angels and Detroit, added: "I'm extremely excited to be returning to the Red Sox and to Boston.

"It's a great franchise in a special city and region with great fans and we want nothing more than to reward their faith in us."

Red Sox shortstop Mike Aviles has joined Toronto as part of a compensation package with the Blue Jays, who have sent right-handed pitcher David Carpenter to Boston.