[Lefty Noob]

Looks like the answer is, yes, the Red Sox do indeed plan on keeping manager Terry Francona. Within the next few days, he is expected to receive a multi-year contract extension. His current deal includes a team option for 2007, but it looks as though Boston brass is going to bypass that and try to lock him up long term. Great move!

[CursedtoFirst]

He's the perfect manager for this team in personality.

It's also hard to argue with the first manager ever to lead the team to the playoffs in his first two seasons, as well as of course that little matter of being the first World Champion manager since 1918...

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Welcome CtoF! I agree...while Tito is maybe not the best manager in the league as far as X's and O's, he is perfect for the Sox in terms of keeping all of the players happy. And anytime you've got Manny on the team, that's definitely a necessity.

[kris10klm04]

I would imagine he's got somewhat of a free pass. At least for another year or so. And I don't really think anyone blames the Manny shenanigans on Tito. The players like him, and they seem to like playing for him. That matters.

[dfciaf]

Originally Posted by CityofBrotherlyShove

Welcome CtoF! I agree...while Tito is maybe not the best manager in the league as far as X's and O's, he is perfect for the Sox in terms of keeping all of the players happy. And anytime you've got Manny on the team, that's definitely a necessity.

Exactly CoBS. He's got the right temperment for this town. I'm sure things get on his nerves from time to time, but he does an excellent job of keeping his cool. He's also great at deflecting the more invasive questions with a touch of snarky humor.

[jengal]

He's got the right temperment for this town. I'm sure things get on his nerves from time to time, but he does an excellent job of keeping his cool. He's also great at deflecting the more invasive questions with a touch of snarky humor.

Exactly what I most appreciate about him, and something that's underrated by the folks who focus on numbers (which shouldn't be that surprising, since I see the same sort of thing in the corporate world).

[Lefty Noob]

First, welcome to our new posters: kris10klm04, dfciaf and jengal! Glad you folks stopped by to share your thoughts on Francona!

He definitely is the right fit for the BoSox, and I for one envision a long career for him in Boston. Well, a long career as far as long careers go these days. Doesn't seem like any manager sticks around in any one place for too, too long anymore.

[Boston Fan in Michigan]

I don't see why they wouldn't keep him. He seems no worse at setting the lineup or pitching matchups than any other manager in baseball, allowing for the fact that a lot of it is luck to a certain degree, and he suffered enough in Philly that he can take the Boston media with a chuckle most of the time. That's a nice little managing factor you won't find in too many guys.

[j-rod]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Looks like the answer is, yes, the Red Sox do indeed plan on keeping manager Terry Francona. Within the next few days, he is expected to receive a multi-year contract extension. His current deal includes a team option for 2007, but it looks as though Boston brass is going to bypass that and try to lock him up long term. Great move!

I agree they should keep him hes a good manager.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by CityofBrotherlyShove

Welcome CtoF! I agree...while Tito is maybe not the best manager in the league as far as X's and O's, he is perfect for the Sox in terms of keeping all of the players happy. And anytime you've got Manny on the team, that's definitely a necessity.

Tito ???? Tito and Terry are two different people.

Tito born 11/4/1933

Terry born 4/22/1959

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Uh, no, actually, Terry Francona's nickname is also Tito, in homage to his dad.

Go ahead and google the words "Tito Francona Red Sox" and you'll see.

Living in New England, I woulda thought you'd have heard that before. Practically everyone refers to him as Tito.

[LSC9901]

Quite honestly I have never heard of him refered to with that name. Obviously I am wrong. Once per lifetime isn't a bad record is it ????

[LSC9901]

Took a look at the pre-game tonight on NESN and even though I watch it occasionally I again say I have never heard them refer to him as Tito. It is Terry every time. Watching the massacre right now and Jerry "RemDawg" Remy & Don Orsillo always refer to him as Terry.

Once again , no argument on my behalf. I just never heard him called Tito.

[CityofBrotherlyShove]

Chris "My Bit Has Become Tired" Berman just referred to Francona as "Tito," and then explained the nickname, during the Sox/BJs broadcast.