Indians to Interview Terry Francona

The Cleveland Indians fired manager Manny Acta last week, with just six games to go in the season. According to Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer, the Tribe is wasting no time in  looking for a replacement.

Francona looks good in aa suit, but better in uniform. Image: Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Alomar, who is serving as interim manager since Acta was relieved of his duties was probably the front-runner for the job, even going back to last winter. Alomar was then a candidate to replace Ozzie Guillen as boss for the Chicago White Sox; a job that eventually went to Robin Ventura.

Francona, of course, is the former manager for the Red Sox, let go following a disappointing 2011 collapse. Francona’s Boston clubs won two World Series while he was at the helm and he figures to have his choice of whichever vacant position he’d like going forward. It seems surprising then that Francona would be even remotely interested in taking a gig with the Indians.

Francona has a relationship with Mark Shapiro and Chris Antonetti, and he is a former Indians player, so there is a connection for Francona that could make the job alluring. But fans don’t buy tickets to see the manager and the Tribe seems in no hurry to upgrade their roster. Unless Paul Dolan decides to open up his checkbook and spend significantly more than they have been, Cleveland is years away from being a serious contender. Their farm system is barren and there aren’t a lot of piece on the big league roster than are all that attractive to other clubs; unless they start dealing core players.

Alomar is a great baseball man and comes from a great baseball family  He was there, in Cleveland, when the Tribe was winning every single year and he knows this roster. Additionally, Alomar will cost significantly less than Francona will and if the Dolans are going to spend money, they’s be wise to do so for on-the-field talent, not talent in the manager’s office.

Francona will have no problem landing another job. He’s a better fit for a team that figures to compete for the playoffs every year; not one who will compete once every five or six years like Cleveland.