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Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Ken Rosenthal

Whenever a team hires a previously unsuccessful manager, the response from media, fans and even industry insiders often amounts to a collective groan. "Why give this guy another chance?" the chorus of skeptics asks. "Why hire a recycled manager?"

"I used to say that when I was a player," Red Sox manager Terry Francona recalls. "But once you manage, you understand. You get experience. As long as you still have the passion for the game, there's nothing like that experience."

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Francona averaged 71 wins in four seasons with the Phillies from 1997 to 2000. There was little to suggest he was the right choice to replace Grady Little with the Red Sox. But after winning a record eight consecutive postseason games to help the Sox secure their first World Series title since 1918, he stands as the latest testament to the value of a recycled, er, experienced manager.

Make no mistake, Francona had advantages--the Red Sox, with a payroll of $127 million, are the most expensive World Series champion in history. But give the manager credit--he beat the Angels' Mike Scioscia, the Yankees' Joe Torre and the Cardinals' Tony La Russa in the postseason. He did it by staying true to himself, something that is easier for an experienced manager than a first-timer.

Don't get me wrong; I'm not suggesting a return to the old-boy network, in which teams hire familiar white faces to block top minority candidates. Nor am I suggesting that teams shun outstanding first-time candidates; you've got to start somewhere, just as Francona did with the Phillies at age 37.

But going back to at least Miller Huggins and Connie Mack, two Hall of Fame managers from the early part of the 20th century, the game has a long tradition of managers attaining their greatest success in their second, third and even fourth jobs. For recent examples, consider Torre, the Marlins' Jack McKeon and the Astros' Phil Garner.

Of course, some managers get more than one opportunity and never achieve lasting success. But as the next wave of hirings continues--the Mariners already have recycled Mike Hargrove, and the Phillies also figure to go with experience--Francona's breakthrough demonstrates that even failed managers are not easily categorized.

The rap on Francona in Philadelphia was that he was too soft. In Boston, Francona again drew criticism for staying relentlessly upbeat and refusing to publicly castigate players. Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy dubbed him "Hakuna Matata" (from The Lion King, meaning "no worries"). Fans nicknamed him "Fran-coma."

Whatever, Francona's style worked.

Sure, he looked ridiculous for accepting the blame after Pedro Martinez left the park early on opening day, saying that he didn't make Martinez aware of a rule that should have been implicitly understood. It also was curious when he used Martinez in relief during Game 7 of the American League Championship Series, seemingly bowing to his ace's desire to pitch.

Yet, to manage the Red Sox, one must placate numerous egos while putting the team first. In the end, Francona was just as successful as Little at handling players but more aggressive in the way he maneuvered them. In August, he switched Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz in his lineup, batting Ramirez third and Ortiz fourth. He also angered Kevin Millar by briefly reducing his playing time at first base. Fans booed, writers criticized, and Francona pressed forward, undaunted.

When the Red Sox fell behind the Yankees in the ALCS three games to none, Francona remained stoic, adopting a one-game-at-a-time approach. Of course, he had no other choice. But his players, a resilient bunch, responded to the challenge. Before Game 4, they told each other--as if they were talking to the Yankees--"Don't let us win tonight. Don't let us get momentum."

In each of the final two series, Francona showed a willingness to make adjustments--nothing major but enough to make Torre, in particular, look wooden.

Francona managed his bullpen skillfully, using starter Bronson Arroyo in relief and maximizing closer Keith Foulke. Rather than bench slumping second baseman Mark Bellhorn, Francona dropped him from second to ninth in the order--then saw Bellhorn ignite. Francona also inserted Jason Varitek into the No. 5 spot in Game 2 of the Series, seeking greater protection for Ortiz.

Luck played a role in the Red Sox's stirring march, but the team hired Francona in part because of his willingness to embrace video and statistical analysis in his pregame preparation. Francona sometimes appears as if he is managing by computer, but rarely is he overtaken by events. Dave Roberts' mammoth stolen base in the ninth inning of Game 4 of the ALCS was not simply the result of Roberts' daring and brilliance but also of the Red Sox's awareness of Mariano Rivera's delivery times and pickoff move.

Francona, forever crediting his players, noted several times during the Series, "If Dave Roberts doesn't steal second base, we're home." True enough, but Francona had something to do with the Red Sox's historic season, too. He stayed poised. He welcomed input from his coaches. He literally allowed the players to let their hair down.

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Sporting News, The, Nov 8, 2004 by Ken Rosenthal

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