Febles has a great reputation here in Portland - and from seeing him on the field and interacting with players, fans, and umps up close, you can tell he's a very personable guy. Always has a big smile, knows the names of front-row season ticket holders, and often joking around with the umps.
That's not to say that it translates into making players better, but it does seem like Farrell's firing is an indication that the severe approach is on the way out and a more upbeat clubhouse is the direction the Sox are headed in. Febles seems like a great fit for that.
Plus, it does seem like many prospects have glowed in AA. Devers, Chavis, Moncada, Benintendi all had pretty unmitigated success in Portland and Devers/Benintendi, at least, seemed ready for MLB right from the get-go. And Chavis' transition to AA last year seemed seamless - hit a dinger in his first at-bat!
I'd be rooting for Febles, for sure. Seems like a guy ready for a chance in the bigs to make an impact on the coaching staff.
That's not to say that it translates into making players better, but it does seem like Farrell's firing is an indication that the severe approach is on the way out and a more upbeat clubhouse is the direction the Sox are headed in. Febles seems like a great fit for that.
Plus, it does seem like many prospects have glowed in AA. Devers, Chavis, Moncada, Benintendi all had pretty unmitigated success in Portland and Devers/Benintendi, at least, seemed ready for MLB right from the get-go. And Chavis' transition to AA last year seemed seamless - hit a dinger in his first at-bat!
I'd be rooting for Febles, for sure. Seems like a guy ready for a chance in the bigs to make an impact on the coaching staff.