Sandy Alomar Jr. and Terry Francona, the apparent frontrunners for the Indians' managerial opening, are expected to interview for the position late this week, Paul Hoynes of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (on Twitter). The Indians' regular season schedule will conclude Wednesday at which point Alomar, the team's interim manager, and Francona, an analyst for ESPN, can discuss the opportunity with Cleveland's front office executives.
It was reported over the weekend that Francona will interview for the position Wednesday or Thursday. The former Red Sox manager worked with GM Chris Antonetti and president Mark Shapiro as a special assistant for the Indians in 2001. Buster Olney of ESPN.com explained over the weekend that he doesn't expect Francona to end up managing the Indians. As a two-time World Series winner, Francona might command more than the Indians are prepared to pay.
The Indians dismissed manager Manny Acta late last week, replacing him with Alomar on an interim basis. Francona and Alomar are the only two candidates that the team is "publicly acknowledging at this point," Antonetti told Jim Bowden last week.
Buster Olney of ESPN explained over the weekend that he doesn’t expect Francona to end up managing the Indians. Well if I paid good money to get the Insider, I guess I would “truly” know why Mr. Olney feels that way. Alas,I don’t, so I will counter with my opinion. 1st I guess GM Chris Antonetti is not going to get canned, otherwise why would he be involved with the interview process. 2nd, I really don’t care why Buster thinks this, it’s my opinion that Francona wouldn’t waste the Indians time if he weren’t genuinely interested. I know if I wasn’t interested, I would have already told them no.
I mean there are other alternatives, to getting paid big bucks. Such as living rent free at one of the Indians owners pads, a company car with fully paid gas, other perks. Also, if attendance goes up under Francona’s watch, I am sure they could kick in a bonus or something. Or maybe I am completely wrong and Francona just wants to eat a fine meal at the Lola Bistro and enjoy a “Crispy Pigs Ear” on the Indians dime. The biggest problem is no matter who manages the Indians in 2013, their pitching rotation isn’t very good right now. So how will that improve should be the biggest question!
not shocking, but you’re wrong
of course he takes the interview, he wants to know where the franchise is headed. If they plan on retooling, being a big player in the FA market and building a winner, as well as giving him a hefty contract he might be interested.
if they plan on re tooling and re building, then maybe he doesn’t want to be a part of that,
I would really be surprised if Francona took the Cleveland job with the lack of player talent, but wouldn’t be shocked if he headed to Detroit if Leyland should retire.
I’m with you on this one…
Tito has absolutely nothing to gain by accepting the Cleveland job. I think he’s just sending a message by accepting the interview that he is ready to get back on the field as a manager, hoping this will force someone else’s hand to extend him an offer.
Francona is in my opinion clearly the best managerial choice. However clearly we know nothing about Alomar’s managing skills.
Clearly.
There is no way Francona takes the Indians offer he was looking for 5 mil per according to last rumor he was making 4 mil per with the Red Sox so Terry Francona is not going to happen.
Now if they offer Francona the GM slot he may be interested in that slot BTW could Francona really do worse than Chris Antonetti has at the GM position just a thought.
Do not forget that the Owners of the indians are the Dolans and that name = Cheap.