An Open Letter to Terry Francona

Terry, your sixth season with the Boston Red Sox as the team’s Manager has come to a close and I just want to write a few words to you. If you look at previous postings within this blog in which you are mentioned, it would seem that I am completely exasperated with you – this is far from the case. I am extremely happy that you are managing the Red Sox and totally love that Boston has two World Series championships under your leadership. It’s just how you use pitchers that sometimes gets me frustrated. You have improved since the 2006 season – perhaps the 2007 season approach would work in the coming season. But I’ve written enough about that for this season – on to other matters. I’m sure there are goals that you would like the team to achieve in 2010. Here are mine – hope some of them match yours.

Ten In TwentyTen

Win the season series against the New York Yankees
Win the AL East
Win at least 100 games
Increase road game wins by 10% (four additional wins)
Increase home game wins by 10% (six additional wins)
Have twelve to sixteen complete games
Starters pitch at least seven innings per game (based on game performance)
First place in AL defense
First place in AL offense
Win the World Series

I’m confident that with all the free agents, team/player options, trades, minor league callups, and returning players activity which will occur over the next several months, the Boston Red Sox will field an excellent team to begin the 2010 season. And Terry, with you at the lead, the Red Sox are sure to be in contention from the start. Enjoy the offseason, reflect on 2009, and return to Spring Training with renewed determination to improve Red Sox results for the 2010 season. Make the Boston Red Sox champions again!