Williams to Manage Red Sox

After 50 days and at least two rejections, the Boston Red Sox finally have a new manager.

Spurned by Jim Leyland and Whitey Herzog, the Red Sox hired former Toronto manager Jimy Williams on Tuesday to replace the fired Kevin Kennedy.

“Being here and answering questions if I’m a short-term solution or a second choice, it doesn’t bother me a bit,” Williams said at Fenway Park. “I’m happy to stand here in front of you and say I am in fact the manager of the Boston Red Sox.”

Red Sox General Manager Dan Duquette spent seven weeks searching for Kennedy’s successor, at least twice settling on candidates only to be turned down. With Leyland and Herzog out of the picture--and Felipe Alou under contract in Montreal--Williams became the choice.

Williams, 53, has not managed in more than seven years--since he was fired by Toronto with a 12-24 record early in the 1989 season. Overall, he had a 281-241 record in three-plus years at the Blue Jays’ helm.

“I don’t think I’m that far removed,” he said, adding that his time in Toronto has prepared him for a second chance at managing.

The Red Sox have been to four World Series in 51 seasons and haven’t won since 1918. Boston’s last AL East title was only two years ago, but Kennedy was fired after the 1996 season, at least partially because he sided with the players during feuds with the front office.

Kennedy’s firing led to near-revolt in the Red Sox clubhouse.

Jose Canseco demanded to be traded. Mo Vaughn ripped Duquette in absentia, refusing to meet with management and vowing to play out his contract in sullen silence. Roger Clemens, who has since filed for free agency, was also a big fan of Kennedy’s.

Williams, known as a disciplinarian in Toronto, said he was ready for whatever might arise.

“I’ve got a wife and four kids. You want turmoil?” Williams said.