All Things Must Pass, Even Terry Francona

_{Terry Francona should go down as the best Manager in Sox history.}

Now the darkness only stays the nighttime
In the morning it will fade away
Daylight is good at arriving at the right time
It's not always gonna be this grey
All things must pass
All things must pass away
-George Harrison, "All Things Must Pass"

Terry Francona and his 8 year run with the Red Sox is over. It's a sad day for us fans as Tito has been such a staple in our lives, and has been an excellent blend of character, patience, and even temperament. He was the consummate players Manager, never giving up on his troops while always believing in them. If it weren't for Tito who knows if Pedroia would have been allowed the opportunity to blossom into the leader and player he is today. His slump was epic to start his first year, with many calling for him to be benched. Tito stood by Pedroia though, allowing him to not only get out of his slump, but to win the Rookie of the Year.

There's many examples like this throughout Francona's career in Boston - and he was a great bridge between the new school ideology of the front office, and the old school grind of the field. His approval rating has always been high in Boston, a traditionally challenging place to Manage, and he was the man who finally helped bring winning back to Yawkey Way.

Francona was not solely responsible for the Team's success, nor was he solely responsible for their collapse this year. I do believe 8 years is a long time to have this job though, and I think he would have to be super human to not have worn down some. His biggest strength, being an incredible players Manager, may have led to too lax of an environment in the clubhouse over the years. Whatever the reason, they were not a hungry Team this year, and that has to be the Manager's responsibility. He had more talent than most Clubs could dream of, even with down years and injuries, and he failed to inspire. Not once in September did he get thrown out, call players out in the media, or do anything visible to light a spark. He allowed Lackey to punk him all year and generally seemed tired, burnt out, and to be going through the motions.

Again, I blame Tito for nothing, he's not only my all-time favorite Manger of the Red Sox , but of any Boston sports Team in my lifetime. I do believe change was needed though, and this isn't going to be the first or last change that's going to happen. Theo may be in Chicago, Papi and Paps easily could be somewhere else, and who knows what else will happen. This isn't ownership or management blaming Tito for anything, it's just them addressing deep issues. Looking for one reason for the collapse is like looking for one reason for the recession, unfortunately it's not that simple. I will say this though, whoever ends up replacing Francona is going to have some big assed shoes to fill. Do not envy that guys at all, people loved Tito so much it's going to feel like a Step Dad's taking over.

Francona should go out with his head high and chest puffed out, he's the best there ever was in Boston. Harrison may have said is best, while it's dark today, it won't last, and the Red Sox will win again. "After all this my love is up and must be leaving, It's not always gonna be this grey."

Comments

[Flex]

Believe it or not D... I feel bad about this as well. Francona was always a class act. He was not only a consummate professional but he also had a quality about him where you felt you could have a beer with the guy(something I couldn't even say for Torre).
It's sad that he is taking the fall for this. You could tell he had no desire to attend that press conference yesterday. I'm sure it was a formality. Truth is, as I'm sure you read, your clubhouse was in tatters. Very clicky and divided. Apparently Bookalis was a problem and his cavalier bluntness which was once appreciated... Went from being a positive to a burden. You have Gonzo saying the Epic collapse was "Gods Plan"... Yeah that's not going to disgust one of the most educated cities in the US or anything.
I do want to say though in regards to your previous post. Derek this collapse was EPIC. Not just for the fact it was by Boston yet again... Or even the amount of games but for the way the last game unfolded. You couldn't script somehing filled with more Irony and more joy to devastation flip flopping and impeccable timing.
I'd be lying if I said it was not one of my most pleasurable moments as a baseball fan. But I do admit. I felt bad for Mr Francona.
Watch him get the Chi-town job at some point and lead them to a title.

[Flex]

BTW ... I'm also shocked at how spoiled Boston has gotten. Do you truthfully believe you're going to rattle off championships any time soon? With the way things are now and the massive changes thst will tske place? I'm not rubbing it in... I'm asking honestly do you?
I told Boston fans a while ago... Don't get used to this. The reign of the "idiots" was short lived. You inevitably became corporate and boring. Just like the team you made fun of for years.
The guy won a desperate town with s losing tradition two titles in 4 years and he's the scapegoat. It's really disgraceful actually.