For what it is worth, I think that, barring a total collapse, Farrell is manager of the year. He handled Middlebrooks, Drew and Napoli masterfully when they were slumping and we all thought they should be on the bench. He lost two closers and a set up man and still has an excellent bullpen. The starters seem to be coming around (except when they pitch against the Yankees) and if Buchholz comes back, they look solid for the playoffs. I think that both Girardi and Francona have over-achieved but Farrell has been the best for the whole season.