The Cleveland Indians and Manager Terry Francona have agreed to a two-year contract extension, through 2018, that includes club options for 2019 and 2020.
Francona, 55, has led the Indians to consecutive winning seasons and a Postseason berth in 2013, compiling a mark of 177-147 (.546) over his two-year tenure with the Indians that includes the 2013 AL Manager of the Year Award.
His 177 wins and .546 winning pct. rank fourth- and fifth-best, respectively, in club history among managers through their first two seasons. The New Brighton, Pa., native owns the fourth-most wins (1,206) among active big league managers. Since 2004, Francona’s teams have posted winning records for 10 consecutive seasons.
"Being with (the club) for two years, we’re a pretty tight-knit group. I’m talking about from the clubhouse kids to the trainers to Paul Dolan, to Mark. We do things together, and we have fun doing it. … During the tough times, that’s probably when I appreciate being here the most.”
I grew up 80 miles from here, in a very similar type environment. Midwest, values… Cleveland is kind of almost like our team, and shoot, like myself. You get pushed around, kicked a little bit. Now you’re ready to kick back, fight back. … Being here is something I’m really grateful for.
This game … if you don’t enjoy it, it can run you into the ground. Every morning I wake up, I’m excited to come to work.
I checked with a couple of the players (during the extension talks). … I believe this is about the players. I wanted them to be comfortable knowing that I was going to be here also, or I wouldn’t have done this."
video - interview here:
http://tribevibe.mlblogs.com/2014/11/04 ... 4_34962207
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btw, it's his dad's birthday today.
