Terry Francona, Red Sox Manager

Joining us on the AT&T hotline is the manager of the Boston Red Sox Terry Francona Terry has brought to you by Iraqis ace hardware stores. The sweet spot -- your home paint and lawn care projects. Rockies your projects simplified by Nikkei insurance it's not just tiger covered. How you treat it you'd get that in there and by Bigelow tea hey Terry -- you don't.

Still waiting for that big hello to you to be delivered to about when he -- street that's Brighton Massachusetts 02135.

A you know what if there's too -- to -- well not my. Whole we will go do it.

doesn't happen often for your team a five game lead in the in the American League east right now is this season just sort of chugging along the way you would hope.

It award. What I say if I -- know why I mean I I think all we care about what we do. I think it so what's -- from week to week you real good -- diplomat weaken the world's all again. The next but he year old Walters that's why I think we choose to do like we do we. We try not to get too excited Olympic gold while we certainly try not to get too down when they're not -- well. And then put it also had done it'll shake out toward yes. Appointed Donald have a good answer about the pivotal -- would pay attention as much as but I don't or we are. But little did too shook up over a -- to Oak Creek which is try to keep pork all.

No some guys really care about where they hit a lineup other guys it doesn't make a difference I'm wondering if that's the case. With Dustin Pedroia. -- very has been out of the leadoff spot is actually had some pretty good production since Pedroia has been that spot he's struggled a bit you think it makes the difference where he's getting.

I have actually asked about the other very device all the numbers and could have predicted it blows it -- bothered him I wouldn't really matter -- because it's what makes cents. And he has absolutely no whole idea -- the -- reveal the care worry it's I don't think you want -- eight or nine. But he has no -- the goal which is -- biggest obstacle wasn't -- Sometimes when you move guys wonder hot. They're they're -- they're connected whole that I told people out all the time. They don't want somebody struggle they want you to move -- you can go home down and then they get hot and and you don't have more I want them that. So again that's what we just try to -- lineup like we think it's gonna work and then let these guys not -- every day because of their good players like we think we are -- out.

You said before. That your best lineup this with Ellsbury at the top going to leave him where he is or is he going to have a return trip to the oh lead off.

Well what I think what I alluded to was at some point to it whether it's in in his career that's our best lineup there's -- around that. For full right now and deputy -- to get harder you could your common GB but did not based like crazy. I think it plays to more or trying to support lineup. To -- responded about sold well -- you -- sit behind either whole. Or or David Nortek. He gets those guys more pitches that took deceit because they don't they ejected back there and he -- about well. And he has an ability users like about the bottom of the horror consultant squat position. Outrageous it's unlikely to order right now.

Last that was kind of a strange outing in some respects for Brad Penny because there were times when. He looked overpowering as he's looked lately and hit 97 miles an hour. And -- as the one inning where he just walks three guys in he can't quite put your finger on what happen.

He losses strikes over the -- batter stretch that's first time that's happened awhile and we're gonna we're all kind of scratch our heads to the good part of OTE. He gathered it back -- had a real good next inning actually to a point work. We let him hit after the fifth inning you can open -- runner -- third. And one out let him have because we thought he had at least one more booted a game now that didn't work and -- give -- bothers me because. You know we have a chance still to drive going to run -- we. If we use a pinch hitter maybe extend -- then it rather than that happened it's going to be fortitude as obedient it'll -- game 33 and or -- for it and and now we gotta keep playing. But I thought he threw well and he continues to -- while -- you -- what you have -- three. Batter sequence or -- strike zone but he just continues to get stronger and stronger pull butterball insults.

He is a guy who has gone on at length about Mike Reinhold and the shoulder program here and what it's meant to him and and that was part of its decision for wanting to come here with that. I was surprised when I read in the paper the other day that -- hasn't been on the same shoulder program why is that.

Well that's actually not true. I don't know where you saw that and.

All or pitcher -- world social programs but one thing it's not negotiable. Already Pritchard they have to test out. Obviously shoulder wise replies or we -- concern. There's certain again you have to remember now what we what we explain something. Apparently it's an English people know what it'll it'll go to understand what do they do negligence. I don't know -- I understand it is but Daisuke you have to explain -- and it's again it's forgot it was raised in different culture. Soul and giving it got an explanation isn't bad or is it wrong he deserves that. But we've got explain it because it's different from what used to but I I just say yes from the solar Puerto model which correct.

Daisuke is definitely a lightning rod -- rod in this town some people are. Still on board some people have abandoned ship do you think -- that he has. Progressed and his Major League career as you thought he would -- it was there any. Surprise. About who this guy is compared to what you were you were told he was going to be an excuse me in the.

Well I don't what. I think there's been a lot of adjustment would have needed to be made some -- we thought he would have to make some of surprised us. So underdog kind of on the fly that -- as much poll -- you do. You just can't foresee -- mean you know strike sold a little bit different opinion will be a bigger plate -- different -- different grip. And there's a lot of things have contemplated get out of make adjustments that is an older but there's nowhere you could know that. You know this guy for a -- whatever has happened. He managed to win 33 regular season games in three post season games which is a lot now this year has been a battle from the start tour now. I think the WBZ have a lot of times you know he wrapped up two quick. In any power as a fan but especially in Baltimore guys struggle going to -- That -- doesn't make a lot of sense we have a huge investment as -- he's already shown he can be a pop. Flight pitcher we gotta get him back there that's our goal.

I think because he had such international success and he didn't come here are some wide eyed rookie. We have a tendency to him get some ideas and our -- that may not be true one of which is that. Cutter knows what he wants to do here and and -- can be a little headstrong is this -- coach of all.

Well I think -- buried actually via. Not very good strong very approachable. Any good pitcher any good player anybody I've ever been around this good is going to be there have to be that way it's almost impossible to be that good. Without having an opinion or -- you to work headstrong is simply he's a great tip. I gotta -- opinions and total weight and we've we've worked hard to try to. To try to get other people feel him understand how we feel and you were parked just understand how he feels he's been very honest. He's just not pitched very well at what they're not Richard -- everybody's look at personal and on the communication haven't -- between him and us living like that he's just like if people want.

You said a few things surprised you -- on what surprised you the most. About Daisuke when when you first got.

I thought his best pitch appears changeup and number same one the first kind of this'll be appeared on a day when he struggled it'll get him back into account it'll be just went in -- It'll always keep him from over those several top ratings and that hasn't been the case what -- reason. Hitters have have seen the changeup out of his hand. A little bit better like Hitler thought it would so there's not been the deception any of those split nearly as much because of a group the ball so -- away a lot of those weapons.

Jason Varitek has been a good offensive force for your team this year he's always been a great defensive leader and and -- with the with the pitching staff. You talked in the offseason but you know trying to get him rest as much as you can have you been happy with how that's worked out so far.

I think I -- I mean we we we again I'm not going to apologize for wanting to play them I mean. He's good. And what it does for our staff Thursday's when he can -- or he knows that and we're still going to win we're going to be a better team as a model building understands that. He's spent a little beat up last couple weeks. But again it will rest of what we think -- it's necessary but -- same time what -- like QB on the field there's a reason. Believe that he had that reputation as slower so we want -- run of the game forced.

And that's behind the reasoning with dusty brown recalled because of the fact that he's been beat up a little bit.

Well and -- might be re billboard that we had a basically a free roster spot. What with Daisuke go on disabled list smoltz not being activated until tomorrow. It just you know if we want god into a game and something happened to catcher we to protect ourselves. This is just a way to maybe get -- we compared to run maybe we stay away from -- on that Sunday big game the other day of -- happened just trying to protect ourselves. And we have a record and a free roster spot for three games.

Speaking of smoltz. What are you expecting from him tomorrow.

This to me it just think it's exciting. You know what I think we're all thinking that utility it's his first time back it's been a long time I think we all that fully expecting to keep us in this game. And as he gets his light -- group. Will continue to get stronger and stronger. Shake the rust off and helpless when I think do for all were all excited about this including John.

I almost wonder. Is he back sooner than you expect that he might be at the state.

I don't know Tom it's been a -- I but UPS -- say no. He's done everything -- more that we couldn't ask. The one thing we really didn't want to do is get him back for game were to lose and that the Nicholas and so. We tried to look at though belonged approached the big picture and I think you have to -- a really good jobs like thank. Get them back start tomorrow we got a really good chance to keep them back all of -- and have him help close hopefully dip -- for a long in this season.

He had to is him into the rotation and in other words meant he comes out he's throwing great stuff it's not like he can go. Complete like Josh Beckett did right.

Not -- probably looking at 85 or ninety. I think that's pretty fair for first time out to again even if he's got it'll freeze deal and we want to -- belt arrests of Peterson warped views on some judgment are.

And you like the opportunity to brag on -- guys when you get the chance. It's not hard to figure out ways to brag on Jason Bay right now is that.

Yeah I year old when we can -- a lot of different directions -- excuse. You don't you order bride get open looks and I haven't been good these these facilities these tremendous.

Tito I swear guy and I haven't seen him hit a cheap home run yet.

It is strong community he's got some of the best hitters -- oversee. Deacons went overboard the ball to -- three roll -- and you're conflicting you know I don't the other team is still we got himself up. And if you leave one little plate and it's about ten rolls up. And he could leave the ballpark there any field. Right left center uttered not a good feeling this kid is he's some kind of player -- what -- of -- reporters he would do better teammate.

How long did it take you to figure that out.

Well we appreciate you blast your still a rescue because the way came in and payable metal situation. Probably wasn't the easiest thing I thought it was pretty seamless which we appreciate it now again -- was still do not come to spring training and he gets in lower body. Great tip I think I think the perception that it was not quite what -- he's he's funny. He's he's not a lot of Skype but he's also he's got a little sneaky if you were totaled. And RT base as well -- when -- drive and in two runs a game they play like everybody.

69 runs batted in in seventy games make you pretty popular.

It's that's my point and you don't do it there's no luck there's no manager -- to take credit for he just showed up and plays and devoted check on -- maybe ever saw was very good they are not find they wrote back a lineup.

I I think I've been surprised at at how affective Mike -- has been really from day one of the season. It surprised me given those the hip surgery that he had last year. You had kind of back him up a little bit here in the last a couple of days is is this Mike's body saying and you've been pushing this thing a little too hard here.

No I think that's -- over -- that was part of -- on my part because he's willing to play. I probably -- about there what I should not a couple times. And then I think we've paid a price over the weekend hopefully -- couple days with that they -- Played last night guy you could play Davis the first guy you -- third. Try to maybe go every Saturday during this. Them National -- run or close to a I just think you got a little bit over done. I need to dial I think I'd like digital about a job that we talked about it and I'll -- an article -- goal for the.

It's time now for Mohegan sun's lunch with Tito today's question comes from Charles Wheeler from April.

Take it up thanks take my questions are my question is what's the biggest difference for the players are playing by nationally rules as opposed to playing and certainly. They're conscious effort to start small internationally park that. I as far as the players go I don't think they. Really care. -- And in the National League you have to be concerned because the pitcher's spot comes up in certain games so they were not used to vet told again we keep the violence. I don't think it's rocket science but it does seem to gold fast or some -- As far as small special we just wanted him to -- when he was ready. There was some talk about keeping abortion Atlanta but want to -- his first start but as far as America internationally we just want to actually --

You know you always said the game is really fast. It is that the closer you are to the field of faster it is you've you've managed in both leagues. You felt like the game is faster at as a manager as is your mind working faster as the National League manager versus the American League.

Until Michael I think some nights in the National League you've started the sixth seventh -- You got a couple -- up they got a couple pitchers up you've got the pitcher's spot there's a lot going on I think I think people be surprised. The likeness of the closer you get to the dugout things are beaten up when he's in the stands are popular press box things is going to happen. I am used to the American League now and how warped soul. Did -- but some nicely commanders come to the American legal woe electability other way because assault team that's what you get used to but. Did when you have good players -- they don't usually.

Does this say the biggest difference managing in the National League is one you don't like it's David Ortiz sitting in that dugout with you all night.

Yeah ideas that it but the good news is there's a couple things per -- explained about it which is go to all. -- holy places that are probably players of using what you consider got elected David Ortiz and you don't hear award these out particular ball yesterday. In all the world to check on recent album ready and every maybe I mean there's a lot of salt post those on our team which -- And bold -- things that in times of frustration buried here. Both those things -- help most of over the operatives are always going to be easy coming sometimes things go wrong but that's what I feel good about our popular I think they'll go through those times.

I think you if you are going to hear some complaints from John Farrell didn't like to be reminded that he was crap done by a birdie or. At the end of his career.

War what do what do what do finale. To a career I had. We were so bad -- figure and -- we were looking for Bridget and buddy -- myself have brought up jobs they've. Because we do we as a professional and plus I just walked. And it didn't goal role while they don't want the seagull. Decided to. Deposit on John I think that was kind of a sign from -- vigilance on the move on.

get the hell off the ball on the technical equity came off the field probably are I didn't know allow for -- Terry we appreciate time good luck the rest of this road trip will tell regulator could expect.

Are you don't -- opera being selected Charles Wheeler has won an overnight stay at Mohegan Sun. Up -- tickets to see Mario speedway in July 1 at Mohegan Sun arena. And of course now when the end of season grand prize once it -- antidote to be laughed about Oreo wagon coach you do -- Mohegan Sun. A world that play Terry Francona is brought to you by Rockies ace hardware. The sweet spot for your home paint and lawn care projects Rockies your projects -- applied. Buy me insurance it's not just you're covered Michael treated and by ability.

No but I shouldn't laugh because honestly I will seat anybody. Almost anybody in concert. The only concert ticket -- RE -- I know and I went public go to him I would go see -- that's the only Mario. Now this is this the controversial statement here only. Concert tickets I have turned down in my life. Cowboy Troy. Was never offered out what. It. -- it I turned down. Jimmy Buffett. I was there. Is this that your story not a friend of mine from the great point the great. Point park university art university Delhi and was -- He had he had dances with them. So she was. Part of the hold Jimmy Buffett entourage. All went down some different from college talk with her and you know the story is terrible in the radio. Went down talk with that are on here it's going to be great the shelter -- a -- the show -- during the -- apology would be very easy to find you. And ortho easy to find meet that --

I dubbed them the technical architect. -- by looking. At. All like buying beaten and --

Doubts you during the show and I have to ticket. I couldn't I couldn't do it yourself so I was able to sneak out. After talking with dinner and I saw a guy. I thought I outside a statement yet ticket. No tickets yet here did and that gave them tickets -- at what what -- there's -- Are these with these are either very images they're great ticket outlet rates enjoy that he was excited that only concert ticket I've turned -- And they are absolutely for.

In answered it Tito's question and we didn't have it you know immediately at hand when he said -- In what do you mean he's not on the -- program which you hear that. -- Tuesday June 23 Boston Herald Michael Silberman is peace headline Red Sox need -- to join shoulder program. On and this is what Michael Silberman wrote yesterday. The team already said that -- his involvement in the WB BC is behind his two trips to the DL because he was throwing pitches and earnest before his body was ready. Matsuzaka was not ready. Because he was not on the Red Sox shoulder program in on quote. Moment to my knowledge and he'll say we did it. Now. What what is not clear in Michael Silberman sprees. Is who told me. That -- his sock that was not on the Red Sox -- program he votes on the quote. Red Sox medical director Tom -- out the shoulder program. I in fact it's out of his way to stated -- was not talking about my Matsuzaka or anybody else when he's describing the shoulder program. Yes I get the sense that maybe I'm -- was the source. I don't know prepared -- print must be true effect at -- at Michael Silberman says that it must be gospel.