Terry Francona might not return to manage Boston Red Sox – MLB News
The Boston Red Sox were once reckoned to be favourites to win the World Series this year. September, however, changed the scenario entirely.
Firstly, they dropped a handy lead in the American League East division to allow New York Yankees another emblem of success. Then, they stayed atop the AL Wild Card standings and had a significant nine-game lead over Tampa Bay Rays at the start of September.
However, the Red Sox failed to produce a decent performance, going 7-20 to lose all what they had gained in the season.
Needing a win in the season-ending game against the Rays, the Red Sox had a comfortable 7-0 lead but an epic comeback in the eighth saw the Rays add six runs to bring the deficit down to just one-run. Evan Longoria then smashed a three-run homer to end Boston’s
dominance on the circuit and book their berth for the play-offs.
Terry Francona, Boston’s manager for eight seasons, might not be able to manage the team again after this dreadful run. However, general manager Theo Epstein was quick to add that Francona is not to be blamed for the dismal performance. Epstein said, "I'm
the general manager so I take more responsibility than anybody. I know we don't believe in scapegoats, in particular nobody blames Tito for what happened in September. We all failed collectively. We all failed in this one and we have to live with that."
Epstein further added that instead of pointing fingers on individuals, it will be in the best interest of the team to identify and then address the issues which have caused this downfall. Answering a question for the reasons of this downfall, Epstein remained
adamant at not pointing fingers on anyone and stated that the team just could not find a solution to stop the fall.
Expressing his concern of possibly not returning for the next season, Francona articulated that he could not produce the desired results from a roster rich on talent. His answer hinted on a possible rift between the players and only time will tell how true
is this proposition.
The season might be over for now, but the wounds will not heal for years to come.
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