Red Sox’s John Farrell stays in touch with Terry Francona

BOSTON — The link between Boston Red Sox Manager John Farrell and former boss Terry Francona remains strong, although there has been less dialogue between them during the World Series.

“We talked more probably in the division and Championship Series,� Farrell said Wednesday night before Game 6 against the St. Louis Cardinals. “We already reach out to one another, either in a brief text [message] or an occasional phone call when you have a chance to ask him some questions.

“But I can’t say it really has been anything outside the norm between him and me as we’ve gone through the postseason.�

Farrell served as Francona’s pitching coach with the Red Sox before leaving to manage the Toronto Blue Jays. Francona is the Cleveland Indians’ manager.

“In his own way, Tito can send some messages that might be a little bit different to others,� Farrell said. “But having been around him so much, when he says certain things, you take it to heart.�

Texas chin music

Hall of Fame catcher Carlton Fisk made a quick distinction between fellow Texans Michael Wacha of the Cardinals and Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan.

“I don’t see that Wacha has the same persona,� Fisk said before throwing a ceremonial first pitch with fellow Red Sox legend Luis Tiant. “I don’t know how to describe it other than Nolan Ryan was conveniently intimidating, where Wacha is not.

“[Wacha] throws hard. But he doesn’t have the reputation that, ‘Oh no, he throws 100 mph, but one might get away.’ �

Tarmac tales

Cardinals Manager Mike Matheny was pleased with the patience his traveling party displayed after waiting seven hours on the runway at Lambert Field in St. Louis because of a mechanical issue with the chartered plane.

They eventually traveled on a different plane Monday night to Boston.

“It was amazing how the guys handled that long of a time, especially as we had lots of family, lots of kids,� Matheny said. “Impressive, to be honest with you. I didn’t hear any complaining at all. Normally guys are, even if they’re just in jest, still throwing some things out there. But we didn’t hear anything.

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