TOKYO — Japanese high school pitcher Shohei Otani says he will pursue a career in Major League Baseball instead of turning professional in Japan. Otani, a 6-foot-4 right-hander who has thrown a fastball between 99 and 100 mph, has been scouted by several major league teams including the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox. The 18-year-old Otani said: “I think I will start in the minor leagues but I want to challenge in the majors. It's been my dream since entering high school.” Otani was expected to go in the first round of Thursday's amateur draft in Japan. If he signs with a major league team, Otani would become the first potential top draft pick to make the direct jump from a Japanese high school to the major leagues. Farrell to manage Boston The Boston Red Sox have hired John Farrell as their new manager, Major League Baseball reported on its official website Saturday. A pitching coach at the Red Sox from 2007-10, Farrell returns after two seasons in charge of Boston's American League East rivals Toronto, where he compiled a 154-170 record. Local media are reporting the deal will be for three seasons with a possible option for a fourth. Farrell had one-year remaining on his deal with the Blue Jays and as such, further compensation between the ball clubs is to be finalized. The 50-year-old takes over from Bobby Valentine, who was fired by the Red Sox after just one season in which Boston went 69-93 to finish bottom of the division. Jeter undergoes surgery New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter has had an operation on his broken left ankle and is expected to be sidelined for at least four months, the Major League Baseball team said Saturday. Jeter sustained the injury during the 12th inning of a 6-4 loss to Detroit in Game One of the American League Championship Series. The Tigers went on to sweep the best-of-seven series 4-0. — Agencies
