Cleveland, OH (Sports Network) - The Cleveland Indians have named former
Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona as their new skipper.
Francona guided the Red Sox to a pair of World Series titles during a mostly
successful eight-year run that ended following a late-season collapse in 2010.
The Indians confirmed the naming of Francona as manager, and said a formal
announcement would come Monday morning at Progressive Field.
"No further details or comments will be made available until that time out of
respect for MLB protocol involving announcements during the postseason," the
team said.
The 53-year-old Francona compiled a 744-552 record with the Red Sox and
directed Boston to five postseason appearances, including the memorable 2004
run that ended the franchise's infamous 86-year drought without a world
championship. He also helped the Red Sox to a four-game sweep of Colorado to
capture the 2007 World Series.
His final season in Boston was far more tumultuous, however, with the Red Sox
orchestrating the largest collapse in major league history by squandering a
nine-game lead for the American League wild card after a 7-20 September.
Francona also piloted the Philadelphia Phillies for four seasons from
1997-2000 and has previous ties with the Indians, having served as a special
assistant under current team president Mark Shapiro in 2001.
Cleveland fired manager Manny Acta on Sept. 27, with bench coach Sandy Alomar
Jr. taking over head duties for the final six games. The Indians completed
the season with a 68-94 record and a fourth-place finish in the AL Central.
The Indians have not been to the playoffs since 2007.
The Sports Network