Give Francona Credit

Terry Francona led the Cleveland Indians to a post-season wild card berth last year. First playoff game in October for the Indians in a long, long time. This year his Tribe is still barely in the wild card race, but probably out. He will finish this season with a record over .500 again. Think about the players that he lost. Ubaldo Jimenez to Baltimore. Justin Masterson to St. Louis. Asdrubal Cabrera to Washington. A closer in John Axford who was horrible. Yet, he integrated younger players slowly into the lineup & once again has done a credible job with the players & talent level at his disposal. When Gaff & I were coaching there were years where our teams should have finished last & we finished as high as 3rd. We considered that a great year, a year where you got the most out of your players. Even though pro sports is about winning at all cost, let's give Tito credit for getting the most out of his Cleveland ballclub this year.