Red Sox Extend Manager John Farrell

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(FORT MYERS, Fla.) — The Boston Red Sox have extended the contract of manager John Farrell through the 2017 season, the team announced Saturday at the beginning of its spring training camp.

“I’m ecstatic to have the extension,” Farrell said. “This is a very special place and to be able to be here for a number of years that are in place, we don’t take for granted one moment what the expectations are and how we have to deliver on those expectations.”

Coming off a 71-91 season the team also announced that it will also extend general manager Ben Cherington past the 2015 season. The exact duration is unknown.

Farrell also addressed several concerns about position players leading into the season; notably Shane Victorino and new third basemen Pablo Sandoval.

“If Shane Victorino is fully capable and fully healthy, he is our right fielder,” Farrell explained. “He was one of the best right fielders in the game two years ago. When you come back from injury, you shouldn’t have lost your job because of an injury.”

After pictures surfaced showing Sandoval with a large protruding gut, some questioned the fitness of the former San Francisco Giant.

“His body type hasn’t changed since signing with us,” Farrell said. “He’s a guy that converted from a catcher to third base position. He’s transitioned successfully at it a number of years ago. His body works for him.”

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