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BOSTON -- Terry Francona's memorable run as manager of the Red Sox, in which he guided the club to its first two World Series championships since 1918, is reportedly over.
Two days after the Red Sox became the first team in Major League history to miss the postseason after holding a nine-game lead in September, SI.com's Jon Heyman reported that the club has decided not to pick up Francona's option for next season, which was worth $4.25 million. The Red Sox also held an option on Francona's contract for 2013.
A Red Sox spokesperson said at 10 a.m. ET that no formal decision had been made.
The parting of ways between Francona and the Red Sox -- if it indeed happens -- could well be a mutual decision.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Francona chose not to comment when asked if he still wanted to manage the team.
"Theo and I talked today a little bit, and I think we'll continue to talk tomorrow," Francona said at the time. "Maybe it's best today to stay with where we're at. It's still pretty fresh and pretty raw. It's a fair question. I just would rather focus on the other stuff today, if that's OK. It's a fair question."
FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported earlier on Friday that Francona had wanted a quick decision on whether his option would be picked up and that the manager was leaning toward leaving the organization.
The sides were expected to have another meeting on Friday morning before coming to a resolution.
Two days after the Red Sox became the first team in Major League history to miss the postseason after holding a nine-game lead in September, SI.com's Jon Heyman reported that the club has decided not to pick up Francona's option for next season, which was worth $4.25 million. The Red Sox also held an option on Francona's contract for 2013.
A Red Sox spokesperson said at 10 a.m. ET that no formal decision had been made.
The parting of ways between Francona and the Red Sox -- if it indeed happens -- could well be a mutual decision.
Speaking with the media on Thursday, Francona chose not to comment when asked if he still wanted to manage the team.
"Theo and I talked today a little bit, and I think we'll continue to talk tomorrow," Francona said at the time. "Maybe it's best today to stay with where we're at. It's still pretty fresh and pretty raw. It's a fair question. I just would rather focus on the other stuff today, if that's OK. It's a fair question."
FoxSports.com's Ken Rosenthal reported earlier on Friday that Francona had wanted a quick decision on whether his option would be picked up and that the manager was leaning toward leaving the organization.
The sides were expected to have another meeting on Friday morning before coming to a resolution.
I am the opposite of pleased if this is true. Scapegoating to the extreme (regardless of what Epstein or anyone else says).
Edit: Am reading that he wants to leave. I take back what I said about scapegoating, but I'm still not happy.
ESPN
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