Incidentally, the phenomena of “following your gut” is one ably descried by Malcom Gladwell in “Blink”. Therein Gladwell describes big decisions made by shrewd analysis, deep cogitation and information gathering, vs. a big decision based on one’s rapid “quick & dirty” take of the issue. There seems to be a critical information point where having too much information actually interferes with the decision making process. Strikes me that AA’s “gut” told him one thing, the checklist told him another, and he went with the checklist and our boys wound up with Farrell. He’s got someone in mind for the gig. Someone who fits a baseball profile that he likes but may not “tick every box” on that checklist. Previous experience? Who knows. We’ll all find out at the same time. Rosenthal’s just engaging in 50/50 prognostication.

Then the Red Sox-Toronto thing will finally be interesting.

There is a more illuminating comment from AA in a story written by Jeff Blair in today’s Globe and Mail. AA said that when he hired Farrell “What I didn’t do was go with my gut. I did not give myself enough credit.” In hiring Farrell 2 years ago, he was more concerned with “checking all the boxes”. According to Blair, Anthopolos has noticed something about his decisions and “the ones that keep him awake at night are the ones that did not work out after he listened a little too much to his democratic angels, where he analyzed and absorbed opinions and information trying to be, in his words “a good leader”, instead of following his instincts.”

The Globe has recently instituted a paywall, so it may not be possible to download the story by Blair; however, the message is clear, the final decision will be made by AA based solely on his gut feel.

Personally, I think it will be Wakamatsu, but I do not have a vote.

(OK, not likely, just me and my wishful thinking).