The Cleveland Guardians haven’t had many managers like Terry Francona.
In a league in which front offices and analytics departments matter more each day, the impact a manager can have is somewhat limited.
However, Francona was one of the few skippers who could legitimately increase his team’s winning odds with his good roster management, outside-the-box thinking, personality, and ability to get the best out of his players.
He was much better than the average manager.
He retired over the weekend, with 921 wins in Cleveland.
That’s not only the most in Guardians history, but also the most in MLB since he took over the team in 2013.
Adding up his stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and the Boston Red Sox, he retires with 1,950 managerial wins and a .538 winning percentage.
Francona is now leaving a huge void in the organization.
According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the search has started.
“The Cleveland #Guardians have already begun their interview process to replace manager Terry Francona,” he tweeted.
The Cleveland #Guardians have already begun their interview process to replace manager Terry Francona.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) October 2, 2023
The Guardians have a small payroll, but a bona fide star in José Ramírez who is signed for the long-term, a strong young pitching foursome (Triston McKenzie, Tanner Bibee, Gavin Williams, and Logan Allen), lots of promising middle infielders, and a good bullpen.
Oh, and they also have a good farm and a veteran leader in Shane Bieber, who is nearing free agency and might be traded.
All things considered, it is a desirable situation for aspiring managers, but one that challenges them to get the best out of their roster like Francona did.
NEXT: Terry Francona Shares Heartfelt Remarks About The Guardians