Touch 'Em All: Francona interviews for Indians manager

Posted: October 06, 2012

A year away from managing has been enough for Terry Francona, who craves a chance to get back on the field. The former Phillies and Red Sox skipper interviewed Friday with the Indians and was excited about his prospects in Cleveland.

Francona, who spent this season working for ESPN, spent most of Friday in meetings with club owner Paul Dolan, GM Chris Antonetti, and other members of the front office.

It was a homecoming of sorts for Francona, who worked as an adviser for the Indians in 2001 and has remained close to Antonetti and team president Mark Shapiro. Francona's father, Tito, played six seasons for the Indians, from 1959 to '64.

"The fact that my dad played here - it's a good story," Francona said. "It's almost a family feeling. . . . I am excited to tackle or attempt to tackle every challenge that comes our way and do it together."

Francona's interview came one day after the Indians met with Sandy Alomar Jr. about their managerial opening. Alomar began the season as the club's bench coach and served as interim manager after Manny Acta was fired with six games left in the season.

Alomar and Francona, who managed Boston to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007 before being let go at the end of last season, were the only candidates expected to meet with the Indians.

The club will likely make a choice over the weekend and could have an announcement by Monday.

Guillen on way out?

Has Ozzie Guillen worn out his welcome in Miami? Could be. After all, the brash skipper suffers from a severe case of foot-in-mouth disease.

In any case, ESPN's Buster Olney has reported that the Marlins were "aggressively seeking a replacement" for Guillen, who in his first season as manager led the club to a 69-93 record, their worst since 1999. Even more damning, he failed to capitalize on the excitement around the team's new stadium and the acquisition of some big free agents.

What's more, his loquacious style damaged his relationship with the front office. According to the Palm Beach Post, club owner Jeffrey Loria is being pressured to fire Guillen, who many feel "has brought an unprofessional culture to the Marlins."

Unnamed sources in the report noted Guillen's notoriously foul mouth and the constant presence of his three adult sons in the clubhouse.

Late last month, deposed closer Heath Bell was critical of Guillen in a radio interview, saying: "It's hard to respect a guy that doesn't tell you the truth or doesn't tell you face-to-face."

Guillen, who signed a four-year contract before the season, has three years and $7.5 million left on his deal. Despite the rumors, Guillen has remained defiant about his impending firing, laughing off questions about his job security.