Breaking news (still speculation..but there it is) that Francona will leave the Red Sox

[NRaleighLiberal]

http://msn.foxsports.com/mlb/story/manager-terry-francona-expected-to-part-ways-with-red-sox-092911

This is another good listen - Bill Simmons's podcast - http://espn.go.com/boston/mlb/story/_/id/7036983/underachieving-boston-red-sox-flunked-chemistry

Recent twitter activity speculating Francona to White Sox

[Old and In the Way]

1. Really too bad if that happens.....I blame Epstein more for the personnel choices made.

Tony had to work with what he was given. But, interesting to hear Jim Rice's criticisms on NESN last night. He kept referring to the clubhouse as a 'spa'. It sounded like this team has pretty much run the clubhouse on their terms...maybe Francona has lost too much control on the team. He strikes me as someone who tries to avoid confrontations with the players. Maybe that's worked well in the past, but the present roster may be creating managerial problems that have contributed to the collapse this year.

[NRaleighLiberal]

2. The Simmons podcast mentioned how Torre, despite his success, similarly wore out his welcome

with the Yankees.

What would be very cool - if Tito went to the Cubs and led them to a Series victory at last.

[Iggo]

7. Nope.

The Curse Of Steve.

[joeybee12]

9. The more likely Chicago team is the White Sox...he once coached there...nt

[joeybee12]

5. I think you're right...he doesn't have control...he keeps them relaxed and

when they were hungry and young, it worked, now it doesn't.

[bigwillq]

3. I actually thought (think) that Francona wanted to leave.

I seriously wish him the best. I really thought he was a good manager.

[joeybee12]

6. Good when they were young and hungry, not so good when they need motivation...

I think he wants out...if you listen to what he said at the press conference it seemed like he was dropping hints.

[Capt. America]

4. Managers are hired to be fired.

[Kingofalldems]

8. Wait. What?

http://www.natsenquirer.com

[wilt the stilt]

10. Ultimately, this would be a terrible decision

You further undermine any possibility of any manager having any control. This relieves the players of responsibility and put it on the shoulders of the manager. Sometimes you need to stick by your manager and let the players know that they sucked.