After eight seasons and an epic September collapse the Boston Red Sox have released manager Terry Francona.
According to major league baseball the two men were meeting at 10 a.m. with an expected mutual agreement to be made as Francona departs the club.
According to sources close to the deal the decision came from the ownership level. Owner John Henry has not spoken about the reasons for Francona’s firing although the team manager said during September’s collapse that he has no communication with Henry.
The departure comes as Francona’s contract runs dry although he still had two one-year $4.5 million options left on the table, options the team obviously chose to ignore.
When asked on Thursday if he wanted to remain with the Red Sox he said:
“Theo and I talked today a little bit. I think we’ll continue to talk tomorrow. Maybe it’s best today to stay with where we’re at,” while adding, “It’s still pretty fresh and pretty raw. It’s a fair question.”
As an internal candidate the team could go with DeMarlo Hale, although given their status as a baseball darling they will likely have quite a few eager candidates to choose from.
In the meantime Boston.com say:
Francona would be considered by the Chicago White Sox, who are seeking a new manager in the wake of Ozzie Guillen going to the Marlins. Francona’s calm approach would be seen as a tonic on Chicago following the tumult that often surrounded Guillen. He is a former minor league manager in the White Sox organization and has the respect of owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
What do you think about Francona leaving the Red Sox? What about taking over a Chicago team?
More to come.