Terry Francona, Red Sox Manager

Joining us now on the AT&T hotline is the manager of the Boston Red Sox Terry Francona. Terry has brought to you by Rockies ace hardware stores the sweet spot for all your home pain that lawn care projects. Rockies your project simplified. Why am making insurance it's not just tiger covered it's like you're treated and by -- OT Terry Francona as green -- of choice afternoon Terry Oreo.

While doing body I. And all the Michael -- regarded need to be reading these other guys. -- You know that's what happens well you at a few days opted you've probably got -- point now all of your contract it's it's a great country America isn't a very good partner.

Not -- go back and forth on one hand you say I had a more comfortable doing the show with dale yeah.

It -- Michael tribunal. It is -- but I get the help.

And I'm going to ask you a simple question were you disappointed Tim Wakefield didn't get -- last night.

You know who'll give personally sure appeal although original all or most and so wait actually but Joe did a great job was like. Third and and you know because. World from New England you guys around me you know life as -- my feelings on that. But -- the game is constituted input from manager general rule we pot spot. I hum I didn't water from from. Beginning and I did check on it. I I think it looks to me like Joe did a really good job it looks like he communicate with -- everybody. He helped -- back because he was rested and because of wouldn't be to -- ball picture if that's probably what I would have done. If -- was on another team but yet we're above would wake me to read -- problem -- opened. To because of -- But I thought Joe I think our children a great job keep the obviously communicate with Beckett Beckett has thrown a nine inning complete game on Sunday. You know he tried the old guys back. You have to have somebody capable. Comfortable what happened last year. Like but he did a great job.

Do you feel like. There's anything other than. You're what your will to win and are there any other external forces. Any type of pressure. So to speak to win this game is coming from. Other players and did you feel like now since they've got to terminal that of anything there's there's some pressure on a manager to win this game.

All white -- there's. I think that. The way they've stepped his game up. You know or -- of the team the -- the world or its home field advantage. I admit it certainly makes the outcome of the game more interesting battle which everybody can mobile say anything different bought that. Everybody for different people probably feel different I don't what we we were fortunate to be either we told -- in the meeting of the day before. We're going to try to win the game. Why hell getting as many people in the game as possible. -- thank -- advance for your cooperation. And I thought our guys were outstanding. It does put your predicament I don't know. -- and John Farrell it would Jim Leland. So at around one day and we talked about intentionally walking people. Because you never see that point to last night in an All-Star game and we've got to come up with digital what you'll also have to do because you're trying to win the game. We also recognize that some guys that might be the role in All-Star about. In their career but if the bottom line is one in the game you can get what you saw from a position where --

While you said -- at least personally disappointed at wake didn't get its last night. I -- personally and prepare professionally you're happy to see Josh Beckett sit in the dugout.

Why make up my point I I don't doubt that you'll probably do a really good job communicated with -- one because it's not easy and it's harder in the national League City. Because you have the pitcher coming up under traded -- people are expecting to -- 100 miles an hour. And and I again I thought it was done but -- do a good job -- I think -- as a fan of like a Wakefield or the Red Sox were always going to want to see everything cater to organize an improbably enough boat to. But I think is as a represented the American League a -- all the ball really well.

What does -- do for you for you for your guys now that that Tim Wakefield and pitch in the game and and Beckett did pitch in the game. What does it do for you in the second half I look at it and say while got a pretty well rested pitching staff.

Well not not much really because we would set it up. For the second half where we didn't want our staff to have to sit around 11 o'clock at night. To make a good result when they're gonna pitch so wanted doesn't give them a little bit extra rest. Beckett walked thrown side yesterday -- side yesterday. Will have a lot of other pitchers roll -- side tomorrow night. In Toronto what we get there. We kind of tried but he work work guys get rest and they also don't play a guessing game over the break they don't want to wear their particular out of brick.

You know what baseball fans are like around new England and especially Red Sox fans. They look at Clay Buchholz pitching Friday in Toronto and make all their showcasing him mark. Or the one I heard a couple of days ago with all the thrown him a bone to keep him happy -- pitching Clay Buchholz right.

Well again for for part of the reason I just talked about a second ago was come around the break we really want the lineup or pitching. And when you have before -- off for the -- First off I'll probably compare that I'm glad we got it because I think it really gives you a lot of rest it at all -- lead. 288. Tough they comin' back that's what we're working out tomorrow night you can defeat can get a little heavy big you know just because the time off. And it's a tough they've backed a tough assignment to draw solo we're going to do loose. We've because mechanism Bockwoldt is going to be very excited. Turn him loose maybe obsolete deals would be great. And we all fall lineup the rest are pitching and I think there's -- the recent perky and buckled engaged. In the wall -- this kid has gone down and done everything we've asked. And I don't think throwing the ball right way to say it. But I think keeping him -- were awarded and show and showing him that we do believe in what you do I think there's some good result of that.

You ever look at the and I do you look at the standings but at the All-Star break. Is at a time when you look back at the first half or do you just say. While we got a lot of baseball to play I'm not going to be doing in the first half the evaluation first half. Awards. Things of that nature.

No of course not. I think we evaluate every day were we dark. But it it's is -- it does music you're if you're in first place it probably -- the three days a little bit better. But but he develop points not much of the doesn't mean it. You know it's just because it's the end when we get to the interview -- we care Bobby and or place and what we've. We've accomplished so far is it okay -- group were we. We haven't let. Things get away for the most part about trying to win games without smoltz and -- We've got some people step B and we've got a pretty good team effort and we needed because not everything's not perfect but world -- world --

I thought the lead would be your lead is three games pretty good -- spot will be a little bigger retirement this yesterday he had a five game lead on the Yankees. And you had you know you can't say this but I'll say this you know you play in the national you're playing the Orioles. And you have -- lot of games at home I thought the lead would be seven or eight games going into the All-Star break the do you ever allow yourself the -- that way.

Well because you can't you can't believe how -- we can't control that the Yankees won fifteen out of seventeen. I mean that that that kind of I guess. Not want to sound like a fan pocket I mean you you you line up and play. Well and but I mean we won't wrote remorse six point three. On a tough road trip and didn't really make any ground up on the team behind us that you can't control all of looking exploit through the Specter came in and you're not going to win. Fifty got a sixty at a little walked away as Republican. We are better at home but it -- respect from -- we had to kind of go to get there. -- who's -- have some guys get good pitching performances -- the games sometimes you run into a bump in the road as we did in our bullpen threw a lot of reasons. Why. You don't look at the schedule go okay we're gonna go to an older to stop what works.

Barring something unforeseen sometime this weekend it is likely that you get both Michael and jet Lowry back available to yet. I know as a manager you'd want all your guys back you want everybody healthy want everybody available. Does it also cause some concern because it probably will lead to some tough decisions here.

We certainly got some good news systematic and appeal and I have talked bundle as an adult like that and secret. We're going to help a couple of roster moves that are coming -- break one. One for sure before the first game of got to get -- on. And then they're could be -- Dave -- we're either going to activate my fuel on Friday or Saturday. Com and and -- all full while reap most likely on Saturday as long as he's ready. So you're looking at a couple roster -- and we certainly you you know they're important ones but. I think things worked out well I mean we've you know might not have a Mike you'll spot for Sweden -- at third which I hope people understand. How -- you know how. You'd be my job is because if you can do that kotsay is filled in great Beijing building it was a big day together -- But having you and Mikey Lowell as our corner guys and then have a costly able to feel it all over the place that's probably our best team.

I'm sure you've given at some fought I don't know how much you're willing to share of how you're going to get Jed Lowrie involved here -- going to use them what are you going to do with them.

You know -- that they're really interesting point I think if it becomes back Saturday or most of Saturday. You know he's not going to beat at a 100% efficiency in these he's not going to be ready to play everyday so. Third though it'll actually be a pretty good situation because. We can use. In all our shortstop would give -- you're I can't get too far ahead of myself here but we can use who we have and also give give -- they built in between. That's probably going to be the best of both -- will try to do.

You know until last Q how you're going to use Ted -- my my question. Goals more toward the roster. How do you get -- Lowrie and Mike Lowell on to the roster does that lead to some is that going to be. One of those and comfortable conversations you're going to have with.

I didn't get ahead of me and and I understand the question do we know we have to make decisions but those are things that week when we make our decision. And then we've we've talked players and we explain why and and reflect up book and I just can't do with him to -- develop real horrible mistake what work.

When you take a look at the at the first half and the bullpen performances. Do you think it is is it okay to make and I don't excuses -- the word I'm looking for. It's okay to say that your bullpen. Just was worn down a little bit here at the end and and probably needed this break more than --

Hired bill actually don't group. We had to open or we have a blip on Miller picked up but what are those -- But I don't I think we're the only open if you look back we had some. We had some -- up slowed I don't disagree that performances related. If you look at every pitcher on our bullpen. I think we're the only bullpen. Well in the -- were. We -- you we we can hobby -- gobbled -- down and called Daniel Bard up other than that we didn't have any flip flop and we didn't have any DL issues with -- bullpen and if you look at the innings they're almost identical counting Daniel -- triple late innings. Everybody's within an inning or two of each other recital wagon about seven innings which is exactly where we wanted to well no I think that everybody -- Nobody -- nobody hospital refused I don't think anybody that under used. And except for appeal Alaska which we have a couple rolling around Tuesday is the -- opened an outstanding.

And if you you talk about the stats like that with the bullpen. Was that coincidence or was that how. You you and John Farrell planned it out there was this all by design the use of out of every member of Appleton.

It's actually it is by design but you have to be you have to have good pitchers and it took awhile to work a miracle back of the night. Against the Yankees when we brought in under Jones. And Michael Bolton. We could easily lost that game we were not going to appear awful or course if we were gone to somebody yelled that night when would have been pitching them. On a night they shouldn't pitch Alou won't do that. And we're fortunate enough of those kids came and pitched well we won the game. But we're not gonna we're awful we -- to be right for long -- we never do and I think that's why as the season progresses you'll -- our pitching staff. Continue to pitch well because they won't be worn out and there are some things that you have to do that I understand that because -- not people were were not going to be that.

Just for example did Jones and vote no. Going to going into that game that that was going to be the plan and the other guys in the bullpen understand.

Always tell our guys know arm as much and we can't who they're going to face why and and they know the situation they know who's -- and things like that. If if sidled going to pull that -- you always smells. Big deal if one went perhaps now he all Eagles. Do we communicate too well what would care.

It is a credit to Dustin Pedroia that he cared enough about the fans who voted for him to the All-Star team. That it made his decision last week a tough one it's a credit to him in the -- however that he reached the exact right decision last week.

I I agree that I think because of health conscious. Conscientious field on a lot of forums that he stressed over the -- He didn't take -- with a grain of salt you know -- last week and he still found a way to be one of the best players in the game but I think what it came down to I don't think there was a decision. And he came to that I think it sometimes you know it takes -- law. To Billick come to the right decision. But I think -- the end he -- there wasn't a decision. And out product I was proud of the get I get to see a lot of us firsthand but I was very product improperly handled that usual game baseball lot of respect. And the same time he came to the the conclusion that he needed to. Little problem.

Is he going to be comfortable heading for Toronto this weekend.

I think all he's got they've got some things in place where. Again again not trying to speak to football once they get tomorrow's a big day -- 34 -- and with the medication -- ball. That this baby is going to be healed yet. This baby a lot better place -- it was about ten days ago and I think they feel that way I think the doctors feel that way. And a deputy you'll be okay.

it must be interesting for you to deal with when you have. You have a job to do as a manager. But when these personal situations come up you have to address those as well as is that the is that a difficult balance for you ever sit back and say man that is. You know they don't pay me for all of this this is these are extras these -- job extras that never show up in the job description.

Well I've battled all the chills up in the ball -- I guess what they -- should think it's my responsibility. To. Do little to do things like Bellamy Lugo had a problem there -- night and -- and follicles much responsibility do over there. -- felt some relief tough -- oversight and company but it had a few times this year for sure. But all but when it comes up reflect on need to be you -- and -- player knows. That it's not just about didn't hit -- that to the left field bottom but I think the players appreciated it would be if they don't that's up to them but I just try to do things right.

For our moral Mohegan -- lunch with -- questioner wants to go back to the All-Star game and specifically your experiences. Managing. Tom hunt from Milan has the question.

HER I was wondering experience in Beijing two All-Star -- hospital it was to manage to win the game -- balancing. Using other team's players also wondering how much preparation goes into a game like that is.

A lot of preparation and a lot of conversations. I guess the but I think the biggest -- I can explain it in nutshell is everybody watched last year's game don't not typical adopt visualize. But we got to a point the game where Carlos be able to our last position player. He had the ability to play multiple positions. And after listen -- Jim Leyland talked about this guy how much he respected the game in about the eighth inning at a decision or he could differ joke creepy. Most probably the last -- type body would have to get the game while little would leave without a position where. I delicately on the derelict Indian but you want this to deserve to get in the game we've put him in and fortunately -- nobody got hurt because it would have been. I'm comfortable. But bolder decisions that you make not only is a baseball person but as a regular person and I was able to -- the chance. Just because I've thought he deserved to be in the game. And fortunately it worked out for -- But it was it was typical again the manager gets put the top spot. What you just you do what you think right.

Is going to ask you that it's it's a top position to be and does when you say to yourself. He deserved to be in the game that's you saying it in and knowing how Jim -- feels about them. It also could compromise. The best game situation commitment.

Mom Mike like completely agree that's likely to very difficult situation to put the manager and it's somewhat. Of an uncomfortable position. And I guess that's like and we talked employer and we pulled them. In advance. -- we can't separate -- look we're going to play nine guys nine innings. And undoubtedly. It mind you you better chance to win the game. I said we're going to try to win the game we're going to try to play as many guys as we camp and we're looking for cooperation. And I thought our guys were unbelievable.

I should try to picture the Francona family its story -- You know your days off -- little break here go do little fly fish and I -- do you. Relax a little bit for a few days.

You don't want. We actually. The girl to bitter couple legend but other than that I did not fully not -- that the backyard. And I did across proposal which looked like Vietnamese though all the I don't pick it -- too -- work but I I sat there relaxed. But I am going to go -- watch that -- aware. You know all the stuff that I don't get to do were not comfortable doing during the season because the games hanging over at all of the last couple days.

Well I'll say this Pedroia is going to be upset. That you did all that you had all that free time and you didn't read this -- I'm looking at a copy of it right now born to play my life in the game if you read this book yet.

No I -- I did tell him Duke to leave a copy in my idea in my about the with the ball. Apologetic about in between. About about.

Have a great time up at Toronto we'll talk directly. To our area that is Terry Francona the manager of the Boston Red Sox. With the little business here for being selected as our Mohegan -- lunch with Tito questioner Tom hunt as one and over high an overnight stay at Mohegan Sun. Is now entered to win the end of the season grand prize which his lunch at Fenway. With Terry in the dale and Holley show is -- the dale and -- page on WEEI dot com to submit your question for Terry. Like twenty that was brought to you by Mohegan Sun. A world that plate Terry Francona is brought to -- Rockies ace hardware stores the sweet spot for all your home paint and lawn care projects. Rockies your projects amplified by a -- insurance it's not just tie -- covered Michael. If you're -- dale is how you're treated at. My ability Terry Francona is green the choice.