Red Sox manager Terry Francona will be answering questions on NESN.com this offseason. Send questions to his mailbag.
Here’s his first installment.
What grade would give the Red Sox this season? In which areas would you like to see the team improve?
— Brian, Brighton, Mass.
It is very difficult to put a grade on our team. The final result was not what we hoped for. The season is long and full of ups and downs. Ninety-five wins in the American League East is not an easy feat. Keeping perspective is always difficult right after the season comes to a close. The single hardest aspect for me to comprehend was our difficulties on the road. It showed up during the regular season and again in the playoffs versus the Angels. We are such a force at home (and I hope that never changes), but we have to find ways to compete better on the road.
Former Red Sox assistant GM Jed Hoyer is taking over as the Padres’ new GM. How does losing Hoyer impact the Red Sox?–Sam, Quincy, Mass.
I think when an organization surrounds itself with good people, it is inevitable that some will move on to accept different challenges. It can be bittersweet. You are definitely happy for the people, but at the same time, it can be challenging when you lose good people. That is happening right now with Brad Mills and Tim Bogar in Houston. I hope one of them gets the job, but if they do, they will really be missed. [Note: Mills was hired as the Astros’ manager on Tuesday.] I think it speaks highly of our organization that people from our front office and coaching staff continue to be sought after for key jobs in our industry.
In 2009, the Red Sox hit .284 at home but just .257 on the road. What can be done to be more consistent on offense next year?
–Kathy, Keene, N.H.
I touched on our road struggles a little bit in question No. 1. I think any team will normally be more productive at home. We are no different. We have a number of hitters that have learned to take advantage of the nooks and crannies and irregular dimensions of Fenway Park. Saying that, we have to improve in our approach on the road (especially against some of the better pitching in the league). It is something that has got our attention, and we will continue to explore ways to get this done.
What do you envision Mike Lowell’s role being in 2010?
–Michelle, Tempe, Ariz.
Mike Lowell is and will continue to be a key member of our ballclub. This was a very difficult year for him physically. He came back early in the year and pretty much made himself available every game. I think I should have put the reins on him a little and slowed him down. He prides himself on being available every day, and he is a very consistent performer at the plate. The hope is that with him having an entire year free of surgery, he can come back next spring and have some of the bounce and first-step quickness back. I think Mikey is very motivated to get himself in a place where he can play almost every game next year. We are rooting for him!
How aggressive do you think the Red Sox will be during the hot stove season this winter? When it comes to signing free agents and making trades, how much input do you have on the process?
–Andrew, Worcester, Mass.
One of the most exciting things for me about being a part of the Red Sox organization is that we seem to be a player in a lot of offseason activity. Because of our ownership’s tremendous backing and such an amazing fan base, it seems like we are always involved in all the interesting chatter in the hot stove league.
Theo and the guys are always trying to figure out ways to make us better. I don’t imagine this winter will be any different. I do think our organization is healthy. We have good young players and some really good veterans. I look forward (as I am sure the fans are) to an interesting winter of hot stove fun!
