John Farrell, Red Sox Pitching Coach

We have talked to this guy and a number of occasions in the past whenever we have questions about. Pitching in pitchers sees the source he is the pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox joining us on the AT&T hotline eighteen T your world delivered. Is John Farrell good morning John.

I don't. Doing great how are you and rainy how words you and rainy New York City. Well you know it. Given the condition of any kind become aware of the couple wins. You don't want to whether it also was so far so good against New York.

Were you as surprised as I was John that they played all nine last night I thought sure after six they were going to call let thank.

Well you know we've got as quote -- throughout the last two days there and it it did get a little bit heavy at times. You know. Beckett needed some drying agent to put on the mound just keep from us slipping -- come. But fortunately you know we've held off we continue to throw strikes and not. Allowed -- woody -- Tucker because without conditions crazier things can happen when you start put people based.

Early season baseball stats are always interesting whether it's a hot hitter hitting well over 400 and you look at the box score there. Or in the case of Josh Beckett a very good pitcher who has an ERA over six what do you think -- issue has been this year John.

Without a doubt it has been a consistency or -- it's just give them. Pitching in the bottom of strikes -- he'd get a better job of that last night much like -- an opening page here against Tampa. But in between there's been some. Critically fastball that the elevator. That's where the extra base hit to come out for a couple home on the Kamal who. Such as the case spotlight boot to Johnny Damon but when he's. Down in the bottom of the strike zone because he does throw strikes and and no hitters around the league know that he's going to be around the plate regardless of -- 93 to 96. But he's still gotta locate the bottom of the Obama should get a better job last night.

That's sounds like a mechanical issue.

At kind of can be yen and more and pictures or athletes try to do too much for try harder. Then they start them awful lot but that's I mean in the pictures case is not as efficient or on time. And you -- haven't -- the ball or orbit and separation of light that elbow drop a little bit and that's what the flat after the fact all all the pitches up in the strike on come from.

There -- watching a game last night and you see Joba Chamberlain with terrific control for most of the game and all of a sudden. Is that a coincidence he hits the guy who hit a home run off of them. I just want to ask you about it when you went went something like that happens. Do you feel the need just in case you're starting pitcher might want to do something. In retaliation do you feel the need to say anything and remind him of the game situation or do you let the game. Play out itself.

Well typically we that we let the game play out itself because I think our guys 41. Have each other's facts American are certainly be supported. If a situation like that. Work -- you know again speaking specifically about last night. It is you know he's strike out all the guys doesn't seem we have too many command issues. And if there was a purpose or intent to patrol up and and or even if the intent or even for the -- to send a clear cut message. You can disguise it a little bit more than making it very obvious what the first pitch in the back in the middle to back situation base so. Those things are forgotten we know that there of the history there between the picture in New York -- and our guys here so. Not not to say that he was you'll. Specifically out to do that but I think -- Speaks for itself and we've got a number game left with --

John I've been now labeled a fan -- iFanboy homer by some of my cohorts here on this station because. I set I didn't believe Josh Beckett was throwing at the head of Bobby Abreu. I have never seen him throw at the head of a player before this particular instance. Tell me how you look data when it happened to what you thought after you talked to Josh about.

Well there's no doubt there was the awarding the -- and Josh is delivered one of the things that we as a -- step of war on his hole in the baseball you know in the event that writers get anti got a chance. You have to pick a guy off in this case there was a very long. The -- I think it was upwards of ten seconds which is almost unheard of before your calls timeout. Certainly not placing the blame operator your -- when Josh picked up bootleg and that's what time was called every pitcher's taught. From a very young age to continue long they're delivering not stop. In this case he did not back off into the fastball up and and I will say that he was not throwing at a -- that's. That evidence -- respectful -- now he's also competitor. But he is also -- you know. Understanding that as part of -- from the baseball he can do a lot of damage to an individual if it -- spot. There's no question he was not trying to hit him on purpose.

John you pitched in the big leagues for a long time what did you do in that situation. Where you know the umpire calls time and you're still here in the middle of your delivery wet what was your response.

but the ball well and you know what that point because you've got it right well you you certainly have an idea where the pitch. Location is intended them what type of pitcher throwing. But the last thing you ever wanted to do was stop the delivery and and abruptly stop arm and that's when injuries can take place. You know we've seen Lester throw the ball up -- the -- satellite just not ever letting himself. Stop in the middle of the Philip result. Again I think that's very common universal throughout baseball that you continue to monitor delivering what the ball go.

We've talked in the past about how unusual it is. For the pitching coach to have to deal with a knuckleballer. And how it's a much different than the other pitchers on your staff. You see Tim Wakefield tonight's starter on a roll like he's on right now. Is there much that you're helping to add to him he talks about mechanics and checkpoints is -- much you're able to help him -- that's up with.

If another set -- and giving him feedback -- what you see that in his delivery what are some bullpen warmup session or during the game. And provide that feedback because there are certain things he's going to be able feel. And -- discussion. There's a process of elimination if something is going wrong at the time or to reinforce some of those checkpoints that you mentioned. Just to make him that much more consistent the big state for him is to be online with his -- direction. I MB director of the strike zone because look the bottom will be without knuckle walk creates. Compound that by what we just came out of the dormant Tampa. It was a struggle formed to route to command the baseball replacing a lot of or more than usual number of fastballs and curve balls while.

Daisuke obviously went on the DL and he's working his way back down when you watching the World Baseball Classic like I was in in cringing you probably were cringing. Much more than I was I just don't I don't like the classic at at this time this season but we were you watching it saying I mean it. Can we just get out of this thing with this you it is as possible.

Well we -- I think everyone involved in baseball knows the that kind of a year there the rapid advance of pitch count the intensity that you know typically you're not involved in the spring training. A -- concern and rightfully so. With the rapid progression pit stop was probably the biggest that I concern I think anyone dealing with the charity organization might have. What they're individual guys though. Unfortunately. While while it's unfortunate that is missing time right now fortunately -- it's not a structural issue with more inflammation and and oddly enough this time your fatigue. That you Patrice pumping out when wrapping up two quick so he -- his first rehab start with the pocket last night. 45 pitches trying to get the three innings his next outing will be at sixty pitches no progress to 75. And at that point you'll be able to more clearly of eyewitnesses. Return here to Boston about.

John Jonathan Papelbon its results speak for themselves and so far this year he's been perfect colleagues gotten there. Hasn't necessarily been perfect and he's talked about. Changing his delivery a little bit what exactly he been trying to do differently.

Well actually what he's done is gone back that deliver your 2007. If you're compare video between those 708 not 09. You see the similarities between those seventh and -- nine. And and really all it is then sued to samarra -- as much as possible these statements and from from the -- position where it was out of belt. Back up to in product is the right side of his chest. And then bringing his knees straight through his hands rather than his hands and his -- working together. It in more the rhythm type of factually that it was last year. The reason we're doing -- this allows them to get more compact and more gathered in a lot abuses like drive. And take some of the straps off his arm which even after five outs and 32 could choose two nights ago in New York. He says he could have pitched yesterday which. I don't know that in 08 that would have necessarily been the case because he was generating a lot more with the -- that he is now that likes.

Want to switch gears a bit here John and askew. About your affiliation with. A fantastic organization. Mass mentoring. How first of all they have an event coming up. On Thursday. The mass mentoring champions event at Fenway before we get to that want to ask you how you became affiliated with -- in the first place.

Well I I think. Each one of us has a -- halt to something greater than ourselves and to be involved in something where. You do you provide opportunities -- you provide some guidance assistants what. A -- facts not might be. I know in my own personal or professional after a career. I've benefited from others taking your interest in the and providing that type of opportunity are giving you guidance professional side so. This -- mentoring I think it will clearly. Under the guidance and direction of David should Parlow who. A very familiar with who worked directly whipped his brother mark for par on Cleveland. This is such a good cause that's you're gonna be able to reach out to use -- to someone that might not have that same type of fortune or opportunity at home. You know this is something that David vision and his plan has been able. You know provide a 165. Different programs that I have now reached its 1000 children across the state of Massachusetts. And anytime you can lend some assistants to help back cause. And hope we benefited someway. The other there's definitely some reward that you get back it just by helping others and tomorrow at the breakfast that sunlight. Bill Russell you might know or or may have heard will be in attendance policies now in doubt that scholarship. Program through mass -- So there's been a lot more visibility that has been able to to -- had now that they have -- Davis. Partnered up with the Red Sox. And I think this is just a good cause for young people to help their app as they executed brought a young young ladies and and --

You -- live auction as part of the event tomorrow and I understand you pulled in some help Terry Francona and Eric Wedge are both going to be involved.

Well. You know each year or the three years but I've involvement -- obviously Tito has been direct quote an -- in some ways and an auctioneer. -- last year Joe Maddon was here as the -- counterpart. With the Byzantine two years ago was Eric -- as well. An -- will be there again tomorrow so. We got take care business tonight on the field first but then again if it's a fun time tomorrow. You know I'm sure the goal is upwards of well over a 100000 dollars to be raised tomorrow and well some of the the items that are donated and the generosity of the people in attendance. They've really because it does become a foreign partners some light -- pandering gone back and forth between -- Obviously that the ties are very strong back to David. Through Cleveland and -- With the Red -- so overall a really good morning.

I should also tell people that if they aren't able to attend the event there is an online auction. That they can participate in right now I if you go to champions auction. Dot C the letter C market dot com champions auction dot C market dot com. Others online auction people can bid on things even as we speak.

You know -- you can also go to Red Sox dot com forward slash -- enters and that'll give you a lot of information as well that. People can you know inquire about find ways to contact those with -- mentoring and and really ultimately. Finally get involved.

We -- we have we've all had -- answers throughout our lives. Who's a mantra that comes to mind for you that say. Directing you toward Major League Baseball or or inspired you to think that you could be big league player.

Well fortunately my my dad is first and foremost. You know it. The work ethic of the demonstration or over the the living example that he provided. My force or certain brother. Andy's. The work ethic that he instilled all of us. It is probably the biggest. Influenced so I've had on my life and I'm sure there are many. That can point to that same figure in their lives. We also -- there are many that can't point to a father figure or -- figure. That become a substantial person in their operating that's where vest monitors and help in that area but. That's on a personal level you know I'm a professional level -- pyro have probably bigger impact on the in the game of baseball. After applying. And towards you know my playing career that anyone else the credit along with. An opportunity provided that. Brought some of that feedback here to reality and to live out so. That -- this is it is very important to. -- element in the young person's life. And when you can provide that type of opportunity or different set of experiences. All will benefit from a.

I can imagine Marx saying in 2007 damn I wish John. Wasn't such a good pitching coach during the American League Championship Series you ever have any conversations. Would mark about that after you guys came back from that 31 deficit.

Well yeah there's been a lot of conversation I can't say about anything specific. That's a given person has accomplished or or influenced. It was more a matter of you know two very good teams set the time competing at a at what I would think would be an. Not only classic series but had every. Type of game played -- full seven game. I'm sure that they wish that they've got on the play Colorado was as we did. What you know it was there with a lot of emotion a lot of past experience is coming together over as you know eight or nine day period. That -- little -- start we'd get them out on top and now.

One last nuts and bolts pitching coach question from me if I can. How much of of John blasters I don't want to say struggles but he's been often on this early part of the season. How much of that do you think is attributable to the increase in innings pitched of a year ago.

Ought to figure. There's any attribute that to beginnings of last year at all I think if you work. Individually or violate individual -- he has. Both in terms of velocity compared to a year ago action compared to a year ago I think you'll see ya a very similar. Is starting pitcher for us. There have been. Is some some gains and particularly the first two starts of the season. That his -- location and his execution was not as consistent as he's been over the last four games. I'm now granted beginning Cleveland two starts ago. Not as sharp as surely looked relaxed -- but. You know we we have to -- kind of a bigger picture view and and we do that within. Comparing him this year in the month of April 1 we have made is that the same time in 2008. We're talking about a guy who's. Two or three steps ahead of that yeah -- a year ago at this time. Palette that's not to justify what is currently doing it to a -- is among the league leaders and strike out. -- certainly want to leaders on our staff but. We're very cognizant of the amount any that he -- last year the increase over 2007 but. We feel very confident that the passage I was not right now on the consistency that is going to provide force. Wolf will be a leader and our staff -- four.

John best of luck with the fifth annual mass mentoring champions event tomorrow at Fenway and again people can get more information at Red Sox dot com forward slash mentoring. Or they can go to champions auction dot C market dot com for the on line auction as well it's always fun talking pitching with it till we appreciate time.

Okay guys I think for anyone out there who does make that initial step to contact them that renders you'll also find that -- all the people that. And those that you want to become associated with so I appreciate the time allowed -- to talk about that well.

Thanks John thank you. Take care that is that John -- pitching coach for the Boston Red Sox.