Terry Francona begins with Indians

By Tom Withers

Associated Press

Published: Monday, Oct. 8 2012 9:10 a.m. MDT

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FILE - In this June 24, 2011, file photo, Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona walks in the dugout before an interleague baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh. A person familiar with the decision says the Cleveland Indians on Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012, have chosen Francona to be their next manager and are working with him on a contract.

Gene J. Puskar, File, Associated Press

Summary

Terry Francona has been introduced as manager of the Cleveland Indians, who crashed from contention this season with the worst month in franchise history.

CLEVELAND — Terry Francona has been introduced as manager of the Cleveland Indians, who crashed from contention this season with the worst month in franchise history.

Francona was hired over the weekend by the Indians, signing a four-year contract. The 53-year-old was chosen over Sandy Alomar Jr., who served as the club's final six games after Manny Acta was fired. Francona takes overs an Indians team that went 68-94, the third time in the past four seasons they have lost at least 90 games.

Francona led Boston to two World Series titles and five straight playoff appearances. He was not brought back by the Red Sox following the team's historic September collapse in 2011.

He previously worked in Cleveland's front office, and Francona said the chance to work again with close friends was the most intriguing aspect of managing the Indians.

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