News Flash: The Red Sox sign manager Terry Francona to a 2-year contract extension. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed, but the agreement runs through the 2008 season.
Teddy’s Take: Well-deserved! Francona is a notch above most Sox managers (pardon the pun) and is perfect for this high pressure job. Despite running a clubhouse that sometimes borders on circus-like and dealing with a very demanding front office, the man they call Tito keeps an even keel, a trait his players greatly respect.
He rarely calls a player out in public, keeps what happens in the locker room in the locker room, and his patience and steadfast attitude were a big reason why the Sox made that historic comeback and broke the dreaded curse in 2004.
Scores of Red Sox fans, sports reporters and talk show callers think they can do a better job and don’t hesitate to say so. Like every manager, Francona makes questionable moves, some that turn out O.K. and some that end in disaster. I’ve scratched my head more than once at one of his moves and I’ll no doubt continue to do so on this blog. That’s what sports fans do.
But the fact remains, none of us has ever won a World Series, and neither has any other BoSox manager in the last 88-years. Most in fact, (Grady Little, John McNamara, Darrell Johnson, Don Zimmer, etc.) have blown it when presented with the opportunity. Tito didn’t, and in my book, that counts for something!
That’s my take….what’s yours? Did Francona deserve an extension? Should he have gotten one sooner? Is he a good manager or can any old schmo win with that roster and payroll?
Ted,
I was glad to see the Sox extend Tito... I feel the only reason he is as successful as he was and is..is the front office and the lack of any real big trouble makers , headline makers on this team.
I like the type of players the Sox go after...If Big Papi was a load-mouth media pig, trouble maker...this team would be a mess...You could say, and you would not be wrong that Schilling can be a big mouth, media hog...But he has a brain and is well spoken and won't get trapped into saying something stupid by the revved up, I'll print any quote Sox media....Manny is Manny,,nuf said.
I think that is the true difference...They are trying to run their organization professionally...That's why they had to bring Theo back.....Profesionals like the Pats...
Again did Francona deserve to get his extension earlier...Professional, he waited..." you never deserve anything, until you get it" that is where the saying " well deserved" comes from.
Can you believe how quiet the Pats front office has been...they got money...I think they are going to spend it on drafting this year...Line backers and linemen...get a lot for not so much money and you can wrap them up long term...
Christo