Francona introduced as new Indians Manager
The Cleveland Indians formally introduced new manager Terry Francona at a press conference Monday at Progressive Field.
Francona signed a four-year deal over the weekend to manage the Indians, but hopes to be around longer than that.
"I don't want to be a rental manager," Francona said. "I didn't want to come in worried. I want to be part of the solution. I want to stick around.
"I didn't come here to go to pasture."
Francona is the Indians 42nd manager. He takes over a club coming off a 68-94 season.
Francona led the Boston Red Sox to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. He was let go last year after a September collapse in which the Red Sox went 7-20 down the stretch to miss out on a playoff spot.
He spent this season working as an analyst for ESPN.
Francona replaces Manny Acta, who was fired in September. Sandy Alomar Jr. managed the team in the interim to finish the season. He was the only other known candidate for the job.
Acta was ousted just before finishing his third season with the Indians. He compiled a 214-266 record in Cleveland, including a 65-91 mark this year.
Francona said he has not yet hired any coaches for his staff. Alomar could return as the Indians bench coach, but he also may be a candidate for other managerial jobs.
Francona has already reached out to several players on the Indians' young club.
"This is a clean slate for everybody," he said. "Dealing with players is fun. Dealing with young players is really fun."
Unlike the Red Sox, the Indians do not have a large payroll. Francona said that is not a concern to him.
"I don't care what players are making," he said. "I want them to play the game right."
Francona, 53, also managed the Philadelphia Phillies (1997-2000) and was with the Red Sox for eight seasons. His overall managerial record is 1,029-915.
The Red Sox didn't get the desired results by replacing Francona, as his successor, Bobby Valentine, was fired last week after one season.
One of Francona's 10 seasons as a major league player was spent in Cleveland, as he played there in 1988. He also spent the 2001 season in the Indians' front office after he was fired in Philadelphia.
Francona's 78-year-old father, Tito, who played for the Indians from 1959-64, was in attendance at the press conference.
