Terry Francona and the Boston Red Sox have split ways. The move comes in the aftermath of the historic collapse of the talented 2011 edition of the Red Sox . It’s really quite surprising and a hastily done move on all sides. But, lets take a look at the quotes coming from both parties to see if this is something that’s been in the works for the better part of this year…
Francona said: “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.” Ah, yes, the old it’s not you it’s me combined with the I’m just not good enough for you line. My question is who is the other girl that Francona’s got his eyes on?
Evidently, Francona, owner John Henry, chairman Tom Werner, team president Larry Lucchino, general manager Theo Epstein and assistant GM Ben Cherington sat down early this morning and decided that the team needed another voice– that some clear messages were not shared or delivered appropriately. I’m concerned that the decision was made with the emotion of this week’s outcomes still weighing heavily on each individuals mind. These are competitive guys with competitive spirits who hate losing especially the way they did this September. An interesting note is that the Atlanta Braves have all of their meetings of this sort scheduled for next Monday and Tuesday with a weekend to unwind and think clearly.
I’m not saying it’s the wrong decision or even one that shouldn’t have been made given how Red Sox Nation needed someone to take the fall for the September collapse but taking a few more days to unwind following the 162 game season seems like a good idea. If Francona’s heart was no longer with the Sox, then cud-dos to him for admitting it and high tailing it out of Bean Town the way the Lou Piniella did last year in Chicago. If this is a decision made with the 20 losses in September still at the forefront of everyone’s thinking, then I’m quite sure that it will be regretted by both Francona and Red Sox Nation.
Stat of the Day: The Chicago Cubs haven’t won a World Series since 1908.
-Sean Morash
