Question 5: What do you like or don’t like about Francona?
Apr 2nd, 2008 by Bill Burt
I believe everyone would have to agree that Terry Francona is the right manager for these Boston Red Sox. He has grown into the position and is now reeking confidence after a feeling out process that lasted two seasons, maybe more.
With a new, multi-million dollar contract in hand, he is the man.
Most would agree his talent is dealing with the Red Sox talent, which is a lot like Joe Torre’s best trait with the Yankees. It is not easy being the manager of either team, inside and outside of the white lines.
Among Francona’s positive traits: Very personable, loyal to his players (refuses to criticize), handling the bullpen, handling the media, dealing with potential Manny fiascos, using 25 players thus keeping everyone fresh and ready, and getting young players into this veteran-laden team.
Among his not-so-great traits: Too loyal, to a fault, to some players (Coco Crisp); follows percentages somewhat religiously; takes young pitchers out very, very early.
I would say his positives vastly outweigh his negatives. In fact, his reliance on percentages might be a product of Theo & Co.
I would like to see the younger players fail a little more early in a season for benefits later. But the counter-argument could be one game could mean making or not making the playoffs.
Anyway, what do you think about the Red Sox skipper?
2 reader comments to “Question 5: What do you like or don’t like about Francona?”
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1jim-red sox nation west said:
I think Francona knows he has one of the top three centerfielders defensively (Crisp) in the league and wont just give him away. I like the look they had today with coco in center and jacoby in right. If Drew continues to play a great bench, i would keep that lineup. I dont see many negatives with francona and i dont want to see the young guys fail even once.
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2Marcel said:
My only problem is the fact that he keeps running Javier Lopez out there. One of these days his ERA is going to catch up to his peripherals and it’s going to start to get real ugly when he gets brought in late in games.
