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Terry Francona will meet with Red Sox management on Friday morning, and the expected resolution is that he no longer will be the team’s manager, major league sources say.

While Francona’s departure is not certain, it is the likely outcome, in part because he is pressing for a resolution, sources say. He would not be fired; the Red Sox would simply decline their club options on him for 2012 and ’13.

At that point, Francona would be free to pursue long-term contracts with other clubs. The White Sox’s position currently is open, and Francona managed five seasons in their minor-league system in the early 1990s.

The Cubs could be another possibility for Francona once they hire a new general manager and proceed with the expected dismissal of manager Mike Quade. Francona played for the Cubs in 1986.

Francona, 52, led the Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and ‘07 — the franchise’s first two championships since 1918 — and took the team to the playoffs five times.

His departure would come in the wake of the Red Sox blowing a nine-game game lead in the American League wild-card race, the biggest ever held by a team in September that failed to make the playoffs.

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It was rumored earlier Thursday that in the event Francona wasn't retained, Bobby Valentine and Joe Torre would top the Red Sox list of potential managers.

Current third base coach Tim Bogar is looked upon as one of the top managerial candidates in baseball this coming off-season, so he could also be on a potential short list for the Boston top job.

Jesus that is stupid...

wonder if he'd be interested in coming to Minnesota?

this guy will unemployed only as long as he wants to be... half of baseball would destroy small countries to get him.

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that Francona is the one initiating the split saying a source has told them “He has had his fill of the whole thing,’’

Among potential landing spots for Francona are both Chicago teams as well as the St. Louis Cardinals who could be without a manager once their season is over.

First off, I like Francona. He's done a great job in Boston and I admire the things he has accomplished.

Second, managing the Red Sox is not like managing other teams in baseball. It takes more than just baseball smarts. You need to manage relations with a large and active media. You need to deal with the pressure of managing one of the game's most popular brands and the expectations of a large and incredibly devoted fan base. On top of the that, you need to manage the relations between a number of star players (more than other teams, generally) in a clubhouse under intense media scrutiny.

Francono has excelled at one of the most difficult jobs in baseball. It would be a huge blow to the Red Sox if they have to replace him.

If so, I wonder if Torre would take the job. Torre brings a lot of the same qualities to the table, although he is a rather average (if that) game manager. Francona would out-manage Torre on a regular basis back in the day.

Given the state of BOS-NYY relations, I have a hard time believing that Torre would be accepted in BOS. Plus, he'd be pelted as a traitor on trips to the Bronx.

Clemens would probably be a better pick if he were interested....

Francona will manage the ChiSox next season.

Epstein will be the Cubs new GM.

Valentine would be the leading candidate for the Red Sox job. I'd be shocked to see Torre there - typically when you make a managerial change, especially in Boston's case you do it to change things up. Francona was a players manager, soft in the clubhouse. Torre wouldn't cause any change in that.

Was hoping the Mets would have gotten Valentine last year. If he is willing, not a bad choice for the Sox.

Isn't Jim Riggleman still available?

JoltinJoe wrote: Torre brings a lot of the same qualities to the table, although he is a rather average (if that) game manager. Francona would out-manage Torre on a regular basis back in the day.

Eh, game managing in baseball is way overrated, especially in the AL.

But like BHBK's point and your's, Torre isn't much different from Francona in terms of type of manager. Boston probably needs a change for a little while to get the edge back.

Rob Iola wrote:Isn't Jim Riggleman still available?

He is. And crazy like a fox, apparently!

Its official, Tito gone.

DeMarlo Hale and Tim Bogar top internal options as replacement. Worth noting that late this morning Hale was meeting with Theo and ownership so they may view him as top choice and could move quickly if he is indeed the choice because he will be a hot commodity for other openings this offseason.

STATEMENT FROM JOHN HENRY, TOM WERNER AND LARRY LUCCHINO ON BEHALF OF THE BOSTON RED SOX:

“We met with Terry Francona, Theo Epstein and Ben Cherington Friday morning to discuss the 2011 season, ways to improve the club in the future, and Tito’s status. During the meeting, Tito, Theo and Ben agreed that the Red Sox would benefit from an improved clubhouse culture and higher standards in several areas. Tito said that after eight years here he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact with the players, that a different voice was needed, and that it was time for him to move on. After taking time to reflect on Tito’s sentiments, we agreed that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his contract.

We have enormous respect, admiration and appreciation for Tito and the job that he did for eight years, including two World Series Championship seasons and five playoff appearances. His poise during the 2004 post-season was a key factor in the greatest comeback in baseball history, and his place in Red Sox history will never be forgotten. We wish him only the best going forward.”

STATEMENT FROM THEO EPSTEIN:

“Tito and I didn’t know each other when he was hired eight years ago, but over time we developed not only a great working relationship but also a personal friendship that will always be important to both of us. He proved to be an unflappable leader for our major league club, displaying consistency, calmness, hard work, thoughtfulness, a sense of humor, and faith in the players even at the most difficult of times. Without Tito’s commitment over eight years, we would not be the organization we are today. Nobody at the Red Sox blames Tito for what happened at the end of this season; we own that as an organization. This year was certainly a difficult and draining one for him and for us. Ultimately, he decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn’t do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new voice. While this may be true, his next team will benefit more than it knows from hearing Tito’s voice. I will miss seeing Tito every day in the manager’s office, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next chapter.”

STATEMENT FROM TERRY FRANCONA:

“We met this morning to look back on the 2011 season and to consider the future of the Boston Red Sox, including my involvement with the club. I passed along my frustrations at my inability to effectively reach the players. After many conversations and much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on. I’ve always maintained that it is not only the right, but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job. I told them that out of my enormous respect for this organization and the people in it, they may need to find a different voice to lead the team.

In my eight seasons as manager of the Boston Red Sox, I have developed a tremendous appreciation for Red Sox Nation. This is a special place with some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in all of baseball. They packed Fenway Park for every game and because of them, I had a special sense of pride coming to work every day. I want to thank John, Tom, Larry and Theo for giving me the opportunity to manage this team through some of the most successful years in this franchise’s history. I wish the entire organization and all of Red Sox Nation nothing but the very best.”

Just once I'd like someone to say what they mean...

"I'm quitting because Red Sox fans are bunch of spoiled whiny-ass douchebags who can eat a very large bag of dicks. I ended the fucking curse, brought you 2 - count em - 2 World Series titles - and all you fuck-nuggets can do is complain that we don't win every God-damned fucking year. I've earned loyalty and support from you ungrateful fucks and the slack-jawed douchenozzles in the Boston media... and what do I get? Nothing but bitching and complaining. Well fuck this shit. I'm out. Peace bitches."

Dumb move on the part of the Red Sox. Their problem were clearly due to idiots like John Lackey, Francona won with this team, all Lackey did was cry when things didn't go his way.

What do the Red Sox do? They get rid of a proven winner and keep a proven whiner. Making a move just for the sake of making a move can be a bad thing sometimes and this is one of those times.

TwinTownBisonFan wrote:Just once I'd like someone to say what they mean...

"I'm quitting because Red Sox fans are bunch of spoiled whiny-ass douchebags who can eat a very large bag of dicks. I ended the **** curse, brought you 2 - count em - 2 World Series titles - and all you **** can do is complain that we don't win every God-damned **** year. I've earned loyalty and support from you ungrateful **** and the slack-jawed douchenozzles in the Boston media... and what do I get? Nothing but bitching and complaining. Well **** this ****. I'm out. Peace bitches."

Riggles, is that you?

On a (somewhat) serious note, Riggleman and Boston would be a match made in heaven (or hell)

BlueHen86 wrote:Dumb move on the part of the Red Sox. Their problem were clearly due to idiots like John Lackey, Francona won with this team, all Lackey did was cry when things didn't go his way.

What do the Red Sox do? They get rid of a proven winner and keep a proven whiner. Making a move just for the sake of making a move can be a bad thing sometimes and this is one of those times.

I know generally one would be skeptical in this situation and assume the team forced a guy out, but let him save face saying he left... But I genuinely believe Francona today when he said it was his choice. Had the team simply wanted to part ways it would have happened... instead Francona had atleast two and possibly three meetings today alone at Fenway suggesting the team was trying to convince him to stay.

I will agree Lackey is one of the problems... obviously keeping players healthy is another... not that going into the season with JD Drew as a starting OF was wise, but his injury left a big hole in RF and the lineup as has Kevin Youkilis injury.

The Sox also need to get better depth at SP at AAA, the issues with the rotation in the second half is inexcusable for a team with a payroll over $150 million.... and yes, some of that is on Lackey... but when you are sending out a 44 year old and a bunch of never has beens for two of your starts every 5 days, thats a problem.

Like Theo said today... this isn't on Francona... its on the entire team, from the ownership and GM down to the trainers.

UNHWildCats wrote:

BlueHen86 wrote:Dumb move on the part of the Red Sox. Their problem were clearly due to idiots like John Lackey, Francona won with this team, all Lackey did was cry when things didn't go his way.

What do the Red Sox do? They get rid of a proven winner and keep a proven whiner. Making a move just for the sake of making a move can be a bad thing sometimes and this is one of those times.

I know generally one would be skeptical in this situation and assume the team forced a guy out, but let him save face saying he left... But I genuinely believe Francona today when he said it was his choice. Had the team simply wanted to part ways it would have happened... instead Francona had atleast two and possibly three meetings today alone at Fenway suggesting the team was trying to convince him to stay.

I will agree Lackey is one of the problems... obviously keeping players healthy is another... not that going into the season with JD Drew as a starting OF was wise, but his injury left a big hole in RF and the lineup as has Kevin Youkilis injury.

The Sox also need to get better depth at SP at AAA, the issues with the rotation in the second half is inexcusable for a team with a payroll over $150 million.... and yes, some of that is on Lackey... but when you are sending out a 44 year old and a bunch of never has beens for two of your starts every 5 days, thats a problem.

Like Theo said today... this isn't on Francona... its on the entire team, from the ownership and GM down to the trainers.

I think you are right regarding Francona. Saw some stuff on ESPN after I posted that led me to the same conclusion you just stated.

Obviously a lot of things contributed to the collapse, but Lackey's rant - after they had come from behind to win a huge game against the Yankees - will always stick out ot me.

BlueHen86 wrote:

UNHWildCats wrote: I know generally one would be skeptical in this situation and assume the team forced a guy out, but let him save face saying he left... But I genuinely believe Francona today when he said it was his choice. Had the team simply wanted to part ways it would have happened... instead Francona had atleast two and possibly three meetings today alone at Fenway suggesting the team was trying to convince him to stay.

I will agree Lackey is one of the problems... obviously keeping players healthy is another... not that going into the season with JD Drew as a starting OF was wise, but his injury left a big hole in RF and the lineup as has Kevin Youkilis injury.

The Sox also need to get better depth at SP at AAA, the issues with the rotation in the second half is inexcusable for a team with a payroll over $150 million.... and yes, some of that is on Lackey... but when you are sending out a 44 year old and a bunch of never has beens for two of your starts every 5 days, thats a problem.

Like Theo said today... this isn't on Francona... its on the entire team, from the ownership and GM down to the trainers.

I think you are right regarding Francona. Saw some stuff on ESPN after I posted that led me to the same conclusion you just stated.

Obviously a lot of things contributed to the collapse, but Lackey's rant - after they had come from behind to win a huge game against the Yankees - will always stick out ot me.

Ya, I dont see how he can go forward with Boston... it seems unlikely they can get rid of him though... I believe it was Peter Gammons yesterday who suggested they could trade him for another horrible contract.. but we'll see.

UNHWildCats wrote:

BlueHen86 wrote:
I think you are right regarding Francona. Saw some stuff on ESPN after I posted that led me to the same conclusion you just stated.

Obviously a lot of things contributed to the collapse, but Lackey's rant - after they had come from behind to win a huge game against the Yankees - will always stick out ot me.

Ya, I dont see how he can go forward with Boston... it seems unlikely they can get rid of him though... I believe it was Peter Gammons yesterday who suggested they could trade him for another horrible contract.. but we'll see.

Trade him to the Mets. His "me first" attitude will fit right in with that bunch of losers. Maybe he can cut a deal with the manager: if I get the first guy out, take me out of the game so I can keep my ERA at 0.00.

BlueHen86 wrote:

UNHWildCats wrote: Ya, I dont see how he can go forward with Boston... it seems unlikely they can get rid of him though... I believe it was Peter Gammons yesterday who suggested they could trade him for another horrible contract.. but we'll see.

Trade him to the Mets. His "me first" attitude will fit right in with that bunch of losers. Maybe he can cut a deal with the manager: if I get the first guy out, take me out of the game so I can keep my ERA at 0.00.

That is an interesting idea... maybe trade him for Bay's horrible contract. Bay did have his best year with Boston and the Sox will be looking for a RF for atleast a year until Ryan Kalish is ready in 2013. They could then move Bay to DH for 2013 and then buyout the 2014 option if he doesnt produce.

TwinTownBisonFan wrote:Just once I'd like someone to say what they mean...

"I'm quitting because Red Sox fans are bunch of spoiled whiny-ass douchebags who can eat a very large bag of dicks. I ended the fucking curse, brought you 2 - count em - 2 World Series titles - and all you fuck-nuggets can do is complain that we don't win every God-damned fucking year. I've earned loyalty and support from you ungrateful fucks and the slack-jawed douchenozzles in the Boston media... and what do I get? Nothing but bitching and complaining. Well fuck this shit. I'm out. Peace bitches."