It was announced yesterday that Terry Francona will not continue to manage the Boston Red Sox, following a season where the team famously collapsed and failed to make the playoffs.
It's too bad he is leaving, because he is the most uniquely qualified person to fill the role of Red Sox manager. However, it appears he is burnt out on the job, and did not feel complete support from ownership, along with players, who did not respond to him as they had in the past. That being the case, he can't stay. Perhaps he goes to the Chicago White Sox, anywhere being an escape from the most demanding managerial job in baseball. He will be viewed as the greatest manager in Red Sox history.
Do not look at Francona as a scapegoat. On the contrary, I side just about 100% with Francona, give General Manager Theo Epstein a pass on some big signings that played poorly, and place the blame mostly with the over-paid, under-performing players.
There is a sign in the New England Patriots facility quoting Sun Tzu's The Art of War, which says something like, "every battle is won before it is ever fought". Francona and Theo are not without blame for this embarrassment of a baseball team, but professionals are paid to do what's necessary on and off the field to put themselves in a position to succeed. Red Sox players did not do this; and it showed on the pitchers mound, in the batters box, on the basepaths, and in the field.
This team was fragmented, sloppy, and seemed to bring off the field issues and a sense of entitlement with them on to the field instead of urgency, hard work and dedication to fundamentals. Some players pressed when thing went poorly, others appeared to be sleepwalking, others clearly wore down over the season. The team started and ended dreadfully. This was not the case in New York and Tampa Bay, and is why they are still playing. The Red Sox had more talent and did not execute. Injuries are not to blame with a roster and payroll like theirs. They got what they deserved.
The best piece I read about this is former Boston beat writer, Jackie McMullan's scathing critique on ESPN.com. She does not pull punches and names names.
What next? I have no idea. I can give you a description better than I can provide a name of the next Red Sox manager.
The new manager must 1.) share the vision and relate well to ownership and Theo. The manager executes the wishes and vision of ownership and upper management. If the bosses don't think they can work with you, you don't stand a chance 2.) accept the Red Sox analytic-based approach to the game. Grady Little need not apply 3.) demonstrate that he can firmly manage and motivate the players. 4.) MLB managerial experience preferred, but not a deal-breaker.
Here is plenty of speculation, courtesy of Sons of Sam Horn.
The more I think about it, the more I settle on the fact that everything should begin with DeMarlo Hale. Hale is qualified, but the question is, will he be aided or hurt by having been Francona's bench coach, "right-hand man", and (from what I read somewhere) recommended successor. Is Hale your guy or not? My sense is the Red Sox may not want to stay the course, which would mean looking in another direction.
Much of the speculation, I would quite simply dismiss. A few names are interesting...Ken Macha, Don Baylor, Ryne Sandberg, Torrie Lovello, Joey Cora, Dave Martinez, Dave Righetti, Eric Wedge, Gabe Kapler. I don't know much about Joe McEwing or Pete Mackanin.
Please not Bobby Valentine or Tony Pena.
I wonder if Kapler or Sandberg get serious consideration.
Let's forget about someone who already has a job, like Joe Maddon, Tony LaRussa, Brad Mills, John Farrell or Joe Torre. I would like Don Mattingly, if for some reason, he leaves LA.
My guess is Ken Macha, but a little concerned about his relationship with Ryan Braun and Prince Fielder in Milwaukee. Sound familiar? I have no knowledge or confidence ; it's just a guess, but he seems to fit the criteria.
Whoever replaces Francona is stepping into a difficult situation. The honeymoon will be short-lived, as will be their tenure as manager if they don't win immediately.
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