Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona will reportedly interview for the same position for the Cleveland Indians this coming week.
This according to Cleveland Indians beat writer Nick Camino (via Twitter):
Source: Terry Francona will be in Cleveland “Wednesday or Thursday” to interview for the open managerial job with the #Indians.
— Nick Camino (@CaminoTribe) September 29, 2012
Francona is reportedly “excited” about interviewing with Cleveland because of strong bonds with the club’s team president and GM, according to MLB on FOX reporter Ken Rosenthal via Twitter:
Sources: Francona “excited” to interview with #Indians. Close relationships with Shapiro and Antonetti overriding factor.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 29, 2012
The Indians are tied for the worst record in the American League (66-91) this season with just five games left to play in the regular season and are closing in on their fourth straight losing season.
Francona managed the Red Sox from 2004 to 2011, leading Boston to two World Series championships in 2004 and 2007. There’s no doubt that Francona’s championship resume is his biggest asset in terms of landing a coveted managerial job this fall.
As for another potential direction Cleveland could move in this offseason, Sandy Alomar Jr. is a candidate to win the position. The former Indians bench coach is currently coaching the club after Manny Acta was fired last week.
Alomar is 1-0 as interim manager of the Indians, and he will certainly be a candidate to manage the team in 2013.
The Red Sox finished the season with a winning record each year under Francona, missing out on the postseason just three times. Boston went 90-72 under Francona in his final season as manager in 2011.
Francona was replaced by former ESPN analyst Bobby Valentine in Boston and is currently an analyst for ESPN himself.
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