John Farrell

In a move reminiscent of Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney releasing his tax returns late on a Friday, the Boston Red Sox have decided to hire their new manager late on a Saturday night when most newspapers have gone to press.

According to Sean McAdam of CSN New England, the Red Sox have hired now former Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell as their new skipper. Farrell takes over for Bobby Valentine who was canned at the end of the 2012 season.

Farrell, who had one year left on his deal with the Jays, is reportedly receiving a four-year deal from the Red Sox. He was the pitching coach for the local nine from 2007-2010 under former manager Terry Francona who is now the manager of the Cleveland Indians.

There is no word yet on any compensation going to the Blue Jays. An official announcement is expected late Saturday night, early Sunday morning on the hiring of Farrell with the compensation announcement coming in the following days.

The Red Sox had interviewed Tim Wallach, Brad Ausmus, DeMarlo Hale and Tony Pena over the past few weeks. But it was apparent throughout the process that Farrell was the man they wanted.

And now that they’ve got their man who can hopefully turn this team around.

UPDATE: According to Rob Bradford of WEEI.com, the Red Sox are sending Mike Aviles to the Blue Jays as compensation for Farrell.

10/21 UPDATE: According to Alex Speier of WEEI.com, the Red Sox will also receive David Carpenter from the Jays.

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photo credit: ap photo