It’s official. Terry Francona will not return as the Red Sox skipper in 2012 per a mutual agreement with management. Tim Britton of the Providence Journal was the first person on my Twitter feed to break the news (literally seconds before Peter Abraham of the Boston Globe), so I’m going to give him the credit. His tag team partner at ProJo, Brian MacPherson, posted the full press release. I’m only going to post a couple of excerpts, so if you want to read the whole thing, please click the link.
John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Luchhino
“Tito said that after eight years here he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact with the players, that a different voice was needed, and that it was time for him to move on. After taking time to reflect on Tito’s sentiments, we agreed that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his contract…His poise during the 2004 post-season was a key factor in the greatest comeback in baseball history, and his place in Red Sox history will never be forgotten. We wish him only the best going forward.”
Theo Epstein
“Tito and I didn’t know each other when he was hired eight years ago, but over time we developed not only a great working relationship but also a personal friendship that will always be important to both of us. He proved to be an unflappable leader for our major league club, displaying consistency, calmness, hard work, thoughtfulness, a sense of humor, and faith in the players even at the most difficult of times…Ultimately, he decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn’t do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new voice.”
Terry Francona
“After many conversations and much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on. I’ve always maintained that it is not only the right, but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job. I told them that out of my enormous respect for this organization and the people in it, they may need to find a different voice to lead the team…In my eight seasons as manager of the Boston Red Sox, I have developed a tremendous appreciation for Red Sox Nation. This is a special place with some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in all of baseball.”
So there you have it. The most successful manager in Red Sox history has left the building. The next question on the docket is: what will become of Theo Epstein? I’m sure this question will be answered in the upcoming weeks. Things are changing fast here in Red Sox Nation. Hopefully, ownership doesn’t overreact like George Steinbrenner did after losing the 2001 World Series.
How do you feel about all of this? Share your comments in the section below. Time for you to sound off.