Farrell announces All-Star Game coaching staff

MINNEAPOLIS -- Currently at Target Field for a three-game series against the Twins, Red Sox manager John Farrell is at the same venue where he will manage the American League All-Star team on July 15.

The pennant winners from each league always manage the All-Star Game.

Farrell revealed for the first time on Tuesday that the two opposing managers he will have on his staff are Twins manager Ron Gardenhire and Indians manager Terry Francona.

When Francona managed his second All-Star Game during his time with the Red Sox in 2008, Farrell was his pitching coach.

"To be associated with the spectacle of a Midsummer Classic is something that we'll always remember and for a couple of us, this is the second time we've been fortunate enough to be part of it," said Farrell. "And it will get here in time, but we're looking forward to those days."

The selection of Francona made perfect sense, given his long friendship with Farrell that dates back to their days as teammates with the Cleveland Indians in 1988.

Gardenhire has been the manager of the Twins since 2002, so it certainly made sense for Farrell to invite him to coach the All-Star Game in his home city.

"I think out of respect to him and the city and the organization, it's a natural fit," Farrell said.

Of late, Farrell has been far too preoccupied with trying to get the Red Sox on track to give a lot of thought to the selection process of players to fill out his All-Star squad.

"We'll let the process unfold and we'll see where we are after the fan voting and then the player selections. There's a pretty clear cut process that's already in place," Farrell said. "I think it's just an honor that our coaches and myself have a chance to be around the game's current greatest players."