Ross says because of his gray beard, his new nickname has lately been "Coach"... LOL.
Seriously, though, I think you may be right, Ken, that Ross will one day manage the Red Sox.
I'm surprised we haven't seen Jason Varitek more often around the Sox. I know he is employed in some role with the Red Sox (probably with young players in southern locations, ie Florida), but he's been largely absent during the Red Sox playoffs, other than being one of the 2004 players throwing out a first pitch at Fenway the other night.
Ross is signed through next season. Sawx will likely lose one or two coaches ( to manage other teams ) in the next two years. I see Ross retiring after next season...either getting a coaching gig with the team in 2015, or being sent to manage a minor league team for a year or two.
Farrell's young enough ( 51) that he could manage for 10+ years, but Boston is such an intense environment they tend to burn out quick. Look at Francona...won two WS, left..took a year off to rejuvenate, then did a great job with the Tribe..
Read somewheres that while the Sawx going for last to about to win it all is remarkable, even more amazing is Lackey's transformnation. At the start of the season, he was easily less popular in Beantown than Djokar. So, if he wins tomorrow, they're suggestion that he should be allowed to order in beer and fried chicken for the entire team in the clubhouse....