Terry Francona learned some important lessons this season, the most important of which was to take care of himself.
We all remember the shocking news during April’s season-opening series in New York when Francona was rushed to the hospital with chest pains. He was able to rejoin the team and manage the rest of the way, but the manager is already working toward beginning the 2006 season with an even healthier attitude.
Francona was scheduled to have knee surgery (his 19th, for those of you keeping score at home) last week. He was admitted to Mass. General, but the operation never happened. Francona had an infection in his ankle after suffering a slight injury moving furniture into his new home in Greater Boston, and, as you may know, he’s got a history of such things.
In November of 2002, Francona suffered a pulmonary embolism on each side of his lungs, and staph infections in both knees after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgeries earlier in the month.
He had two more knee surgeries to eliminate the infection, and then emergency surgery for massive internal bleeding in his right thigh. Francona considers himself blessed to have survived the ordeal, and to not have had a limb amputated in the process.
That’s why it’s stunning to see Francona preparing for another knee surgery. It’s something he would have thought impossible a couple of years ago.
“I was terrified to ever go through something like that again,” Francona said this week, “and the doctors at Mass General – and there was a lot of really conscientious doctors – they assured me they could handle this and I’m taking them at their word. And I told them I’ll come back to haunt them if they’re wrong because I want to be able to do my job and live my life a little bit better.
“I’ve gotten to the point where I just wanted to get off my legs too much. It’s too hard. I’m cheating people out of what I’m supposed to be doing.”
What he’s supposed to be doing is getting ready for the season.
This week, he added Al Nipper to his coaching staff, joining new third base coach DeMarlo Hale. Francona is also staying in touch with his players, and trying to imagine what life could be like without Manny Ramirez.
“I probably haven’t worried about it, maybe as much as I should,” said Francona. “It’s a weird concept because obviously I’ve heard the things, but watching Manny around here he’s been great. I acknowledge that every once in a while there’s a bump in the road, but I don’t feel it’s a whole lot more than that – at least in the clubhouse. I hear things about the trade but that doesn’t come up around here. This guy’s a pretty good guy to be around, and when you talk about his bat it’s one of the most prolific bats in baseball. You put him next to D.O. and that’s how we win.
“I understand the need to respect what he’s asking, but at the same time I’d be very surprised if he’s not back here next year.”
He was also surprised that Ortiz didn’t win the AL MVP award this week.
“I thought D.O. did everything in his power to be MVP,” said Francona. “He came in second and that’s nothing to be ashamed of. I’m proud of the way he’s handled it, and I’ll be more proud of the way he goes forward because he’s the kind of guy you build your organization around. That’s what we’re doing, and that’s why we’re going to win.”
The next win is months away for Francona, who’s ready to shoulder the burden of managing in Red Sox Nation.
Lewiston native Tom Caron covers the Red Sox for NESN.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
