Red Sox Report: Francona Outclasses Red Sox Ownership Again

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Scott Cordischi, GoLocalWorcester Sports Editor

Showing once again that he has more class in his pinkie finger than some members of the Red Sox front office do combined, former manager Terry Francona announced that he will be attending the team’s 100th anniversary celebration of Fenway Park Friday afternoon.

Francona had said in the past that he would not be attending the ceremony because of the bad blood between him and the front office. Start with the fact that John Henry never returned Francona’s phone calls at the end of the season. Add to that the smear campaign by someone within the organization who talked about Francona’s failed marriage and the fact that he was addicted to some type of pain medication, and it was an ugly send-off for a classy guy and arguably the best manager in franchise history.

For those reasons, Francona felt it would be hypocritical for him to show up to the celebration and exchange hugs with some of those who may have smeared him. In the end, however, he decided to take the high road and attend the ceremony which he should be a very big part of.

After all, Francona led the franchise to World Championships in 2004 and 2007 after an 86-year drought which saw them last win one in 1918. In all due respect to the many who played and managed in Boston’s beloved ballpark over the past century, none accomplished the type of championship success that Francona did. His teams provided Red Sox Nation with some of the greatest and most vivid memories.

It will be nice to see Francona on the field as part of that celebration on Friday.

NOTES:

-Amazingly enough, the money-grubbing ownership group that is the Henry Group, is offering Red Sox fans something for FREE this week. Thursday, the day before the 100th anniversary celebration, an open house will be held at Fenway where fans will be allowed to tour the ballpark from 9am-7pm free of charge.

Fans will be allowed to enjoy a true Fenway experience by sitting in the dugouts, walking the warning track and touching the Green Monster, go inside the Monster where the scoreboard is run from, as well as view various displays and historical artifacts. In addition, a number of Red Sox alumni will be on hand signing autographs.

Of course, memorabilia stores and concession stands will be open for business for fans to spend money on. But, it’s not as if you HAVE to spend money.

Let’s give the devil his due. Good move Red Sox!

-Before Wednesday’s game, Boston optioned struggling reliever Mark Melancon to Triple-A Pawtucket. In 4 games this season, Melancon has a whopping ERA of 49.50. In 2 innings of work he has yielded 10 hits, 11 earned runs and 5 homeruns. Tuesday against the Texas he failed to record a single out while allowing 6 runs and 3 homeruns. RHP Junichi Tazawa was called up to replace him on the 25-man roster.

-Let there be no doubt that the Boston Red Sox are not in the same class as the two-time defending American League Champion Texas Rangers. Following last night’s win which completed a 2-game sweep of Boston, Texas is now 21-10 against the Sox over the last 4 years. Texas is also off to a (5-0) start away from home this season.

-Kevin Youkilis was dropped from the clean-up spot to 6th in the batting order Wednesday. Manager Bobby Valentine said it was done to try to jumpstart his struggling third baseman. Youkilis responded by homering to center in his first at-bat in the second inning. He went 1 for 4 on the night.

-Josh Beckett suffered the loss for Boston and is now (3-3) for his career against the Rangers. Beckett did not pitch poorly lasting 7 innings while allowing 7 hits. He gave up 3 runs, all of which were earned while walking 1 and striking out 7.

-Center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury was back in Boston with his right arm in a sling due to his separated right shoulder. Ellsbury said that there is no specific timetable for his return but did confirm that surgery was not necessary.

-The Red Sox have Thursday off before they welcome the rival New York Yankees to Fenway for 3 over the weekend. Here are the scheduled pitching match-up’s for the series:

Friday: Clay Buchholz vs. Ivan Nova
Saturday: Felix Doubront vs. Freddy Garcia
Sunday: Daniel Bard vs. CC Sabathia

Boston could elect to pitch ace Jon Lester on his normal 4 days rest Sunday because of the off day but it is not known if Valentine will opt for that.

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