Report: Terry Francona Will Not Manage in 2012, Citing Need to ‘Re-Energize’

Terry Francona's name had come up in conversations for the managing jobs in both St. Louis and Chicago. While the Cardinals have since hired Mike Matheny to take the helm in 2012, speculation remained that Francona would be a good fit to reunite in the Windy City with old pal Theo Epstein.

There's only one problem: Francona says that he won't manage next season, according to CSNNE.com.

"I'm not going to try to manage next year,'' said Francona, "for my benefit.''

Claiming that he needs to take a year off to "re-energize," the former Red Sox manager explained that he reconsidered jumping back into the fray after interviewing with the Cardinals.

"When I interviewed in St. Louis, I was genuinely excited about it,'' Francona is quoted as saying. "But we were all beaten up at the end of the year, and after [speaking with the Cardinals] I took a step back and began to look at things realistically."

Francona also discussed his conversations with Epstein about the Cubs' managerial opening but declared that he didn't think it was the right opportunity for him. While he admitted that he will miss spring training, he said he thinks that some time away from the game will ultimately be beneficial.

"I want to get myself re-energized, and if and when an opportunity arises," he said, "I'll be ready."