Terry Francona, Red Sox Manager

" Broadcasting live from the balanced world headquarters building joining us on the AT&T hotline. Is the manager of the Boston Red Sox Terry Francona Terry's brought to you by Rockies ace hardware stores the sweet spot -- year home paint and lawn care projects. Rockies project simplified Miami insurance it's not just tiger covered it tiger treated our history of west -- All hired by -- OT Terry Francona -- green team choice good afternoon -- let me introduce you to the guys sitting beside me I don't know if you government Michael --"

" Quite -- I'm surprised they're still called the -- always go it's. I didn't push the whole feeling Walter."

" Felt that way let me tell -- something I don't I don't take much vacation around here unload on the on ball don't -- start a couple days."

" got the ability I was going to. Occasionally you're just -- and."

" I. It's kind of nice attitude I had good stuff and not that we got a question about that's got to change for a."

" I'm sure you have to Nablus some -- but on the flip side that are agree on struggled last I don't mind at a minor miracle. Something always fall apart on Tuesday night."

" I thought it's too bad. Paid I I gotta pick us up about talent I think it's up than that to make you mad due to scream I'm I'm rested I missed it's not -- ditzy."

" looks looks just looks not. Do you have for the first fifty local police went over there."

" Can't wait to the end and I'll ask you this and Jacoby Ellsbury at the team record last night for a stolen bases in the season. Am -- and for a manager must be very difficult in this park. To static I've read me you look at -- left field that wall it's close look at the pesky pole it's close. It is is there any kind of dialogue internal dialogue on how would you and one -- have a guy who's got the speed that he -- and playing at Fenway Park."

" Michael couple things first got a really good point come at regardless of war or play in. -- to -- try to bounce try to strike a balance between. V the idea of how much stole base helps as opposed to. If you're successful Obama doesn't help and certainly if you're not successful. And I think the wanting it changed over the years is friendly park a lot of years ago. Had a reputation for -- you couldn't throw left temperature all Arctic like that the advent of all these new ballparks that are sold hitter friendly. Our ballpark is actually there are some places where it'll sort of field right there shall certainly -- field. You've got to hit it now again I give -- father I like all for keeping back the ball the -- you can do depressed people. There is some area here for a pitcher to pitch to unlike some other ballparks in our -- so. Answered question we try to assess him Parikh. When it's to our advantage. And he's got a really good job of yeah and keeping -- percentage very high that probably ultimately a little bit more important the -- multiple places."

" You've been around the game a long time you see a lot of great base runners whereas this kid ranked forty."

" Yeah I don't I don't know that because -- obviously you're talking I've played with two breaks loose they don't want the very best. All the -- outlook Ramirez go through some tough times. Rickey Henderson who I -- on his opponent was it'll -- delete it. Vince Coleman. This -- supposed to to young to at least you know again we're where he goes weasel -- you have to stay healthy. But either way that we really like -- is 300 hitter. He's just got some pop in his bat he's turning into -- could be offensive player he's playing every day there's a lot to -- like about to skip."

" He really good point I thought last night after the game Maurice had a ball I was worried about was stealing bases I can have more bases which you gotta do what. When it helps the team you can't just be sent by got a grabs more bags here."

" Exactly and -- at the very mature way to look at it from there are times when it's quite frankly he could probably walk in the third. We elect to not do that because there's a line drive to double to mosque it and again for the most sports he can't score a base hit you know world world trouble anyway. You again he he understands our philosophy. And he doesn't very good job of of adhering to that particular -- we don't want to take about -- It's it it's the more it -- and the hitters. And the base runners they have to do a lot of communicating you know what helps what doesn't help what -- If a guys jump around at second base is about a row Pedroia when he's hitting the same -- and the more these guys that didn't know each other certainly the better of the communications."

" The last thing I asked about stolen bases is that stuff I've always said that nobody's going to break DiMaggio record 56 game hitting streak. An -- I think that maybe Rickey Henderson. Is pretty safe to do you think baseball has gone away from. That type of running game we're used to be. Stolen base leaders were in the nineties and over 100 now. That's probably not going to be the case."

" You know Michael I don't I don't know there are certainly some guys out there with the speed. Too -- they can do something like that well I do think it as baseball. Evolves. You know. Teams are more aware of stole bases and how to prevent it. Sometimes at the cost of given up front I mean we talked about all the time you know to slide step in things like that. But at what cost are you preventing them dirt -- he's dead and just to stop the stole base and give up. Two run homer that's not help -- a lot of ways. You don't guys' legs get involved in the game or -- impacted game put their all hole Lotta ways to stop garage and stealing the maybe. We were implemented quite as much in the past."

" What does the addition of Billy Wagner do for your bullpen."

" It gives us a second left hander and and so again. He can he's been very open about the fact that he's not real far removed from Tommy John in what he's done to this point is actually going to miraculously. We think he can help us win games. When he pitches at the same time if we don't have to give Tokyo LT used today. -- just just -- kept an important situations. That's about nine out of ten days and probably three times a game. So that's going to help not only make old keep keep -- pressure given that second lefty without power arm. This this this have a lot of ways of being good forums."

" Billy Wagner's a closer and closer for the majority of his career did you guys talk to your own closer. About this move before. Completing."

" Yeah actually yelled at him because nobody was saying some stupid things in the paperwork and then I come to realize and again dependable but it -- shape. You don't have said he said what he said he's -- employees that it was never meant to. It'll be derogatory at all. -- I got talked into the breyer's eroded and he kind of said the same thing to -- the fight try to like that I apologized. So that also in the National League -- just wonder what that. That that's a shame that should happen to. So that we put out fires or terror which is a waste my time. But now there's there's no issues -- perhaps actually. Ruled to have him as we all should be we just had to correct some mistakes in the media which again --"

" Now he he said Papelbon said he actually said that things but he was what joking around."

" The only just the way instead it was he just took it wasn't. Gillick thought he was still on the DL like only does the general was and yet the intonation it was voices and it was very aware that he was not. Hammering some possible future you know hall Famer and the right that did it actually came mental mislabeling -- I didn't intend to come out that way for a bit I'm sorry."

" You've got some things that are going to have to happen here. Tonight and tomorrow I guess when Wagner theoretically will join your club. You gotta make some roster moves Wakefield going to pitch for you tonight and Wagner theoretically available tomorrow have you guys gone through how this is going to work out."

" We are announced last night that we designated. Home. -- it was -- Cabrera last night. Not Sorgi could also Burley and my goodness -- show on. Enrique we -- stadium last night that gives wake on tonight. Obviously -- get Wagner on tomorrow. -- corresponding move most like we do it tonight but again if if there's a reason to wait reward but it would be done --"

" Concern that I know some closers. Are our challenge when they're not always in closing situations -- you have any concerns that. Maybe Wagner wouldn't be able to handle and a set up role or is set up situation if he's put in that."

" All in the region again -- and a little -- difference here between their which springing up Gagne bill what bowl we got Gagne and we were looking for a true setup -- Do we we needed to expect a -- have to -- spot. And it didn't work for a while and we needed to be patient with Eric because we need at that spot filled out -- about the -- cover well. Getting Billy Wagner our bullpen we think is already pretty good again getting that second left you like talked about a minute to go we think can be very helpful. He was not in a position where is rated close for the Mets to either. -- Frankie Rodriguez -- this -- going off Tommy John. I mean he needs to be. -- babies like work but he certainly need to be treated with caution. There's going to be a little bit of schedule you know we can multiply in the sixth inning that we don't it's important not going to give him back up in the seventh inning. We're not going to pitch from their traditional -- to be a lot of ways we keep an eye on him like deep in my award. And that we would not hurt him you know he was I think universal concern program that. Because of the situation -- going to give -- a pennant -- but also the managers feel some pressure he's doing some things that are real advantageous to his career. I assure -- we will do that anybody level Walton guys coming off Tommy John surgery."

" When you guys acquired Victor Martinez I think Theo and you've probably envisioned in addition to -- batting order and he's been a great addition. But for a lot of reasons for the first two and a half three weeks that he was here he ended up being a replacement for people -- bay outer drew out or Duke suspended. Last week he finally got to have to play with the batting order that you guys invasion and the results kind of speak for themselves is hasn't worked out the way you guys thought what."

" I think it's worked out as wells Willie's your guy about walls were -- all but really really well I mean we we rule we were -- And a leader. One delete switch hitters in the game. Yeah everyday -- community and done exactly what we hoped he would do ticket some leadership right off the bat to brings enormous amount of food enthusiasm. It's contagious guys -- him. All the things we heard about Cleveland. That's always going to grow older as his comfort level gross. He's got a great additional ballclub Obama played some as has caught on that got under the radar a little bit. We got a -- it's a pretty good player that's taken a different role and handle that and it is better."

" Has it also caused you some anxious moments as you try to. Talk to guys on a day to day basis and tell guys they can't play today."

" On really don't think you'll like that's the correct word what we tried to do is is -- I got got an early. A lot of days went quiet and had some time. Think some things through what I do think I'll these guys is one I'd tell them not playing or build we build around affidavit also need to be a reason. And not just there's you know not just. The deal to coach speaker manager talking they just as you know I'll want to have a reason why somebody isn't playing. Or somebody years because my old hat to them and soul and we also passed them to beat cooperative. And to put the ballclub first album title -- Are proud of these guys and I would be very surprised gold or if something like this gets in the way."

" In your opinion that at this stage of his career Tito is Victor Martinez a better catcher or first baseman."

" I'm not quite sure how to answer that. You don't -- in Cleveland he was catch and about half the time. Soul you know if you put him back got to play every day right now there'll be certain model where Terry that would probably -- overwhelmed right work. Boat like catch up -- him. Again when you -- catcher eligibility at 300 drive in under -- that is pretty awesome. He's a very good first baseman. -- is bad makes improbably. That much more dangerous as a catcher."

" I do you think you continue to -- to go with Varitek. Catching Lester and Varitek catching Beckett for the remainder of the season or or do you do you feel comfortable with the with the Victor Martinez you know going in their -- wanted to go."

" All I could -- the cover global swine. I think that we always try to put our ballclub in the best position every night and -- has done a great job put those two guys specifically. Not get their schedule like get away you know we have a thirteen inning game and we got a big game. You know we're we're not going to do some like that. And any other thing is Donald older feel compelled to make a line about political September because a lot of things happen. But I am very comfortable Tek catching those guys like that there's little -- around that you know if if that catches. That may not be our best offensive line up. But it doesn't mean is not our best lineup."

" Victor Martinez will catch Tim Wakefield tonight what has been the preparation that he's undergone to get ready for the."

" It's been kind of interesting. And actually -- have a lot of fault to which is really probably more than negotiator in the grind of the season -- veteran guys. Oh out there workload Gary -- we took the local ball machine on the last road trip which don't trivialize or throw bottles. Of Evian. Pitchers don't lot of war it's got him on the side. And again he'll -- but I think from our standpoint. Is that this is an April 7 -- it doesn't go perfect. We got a long season analysts and predictors got a bill chorale -- pick them up well maybe a good four hits. And again were coming into September we can expand anyway but I think Vickers got Iguodala -- and Wakefield certainly knows."

" Okay UN you want to get mad at me now. I want -- if they're not. I've got a question about Sunday night's game. CC sabathia is on the mound lefty. Dealing. I understand that but David Ortiz has good numbers against CC. He's out of that game and he has not the pinch hitter of choice what was the reasoning."

" hopes are back into. I think it was and boy I wish sometimes we just decided to Pryor supplements probably. I think that. -- start the second hitter of the inning. I don't want to sort of stuff Whittle. It doesn't count. -- but it were down eight at four. We elected to have all of sort of where -- pigeon. Wasn't it wasn't about to repair. A for the game sorry Felix -- I'm so start in the game and -- also you know what that that really don't really painful."

" Problem you know what we had to make a choice and David although and David does a pretty good numbers against CC. What they are certain some of them are a little bit further back policies he was struggling. More with a left handers first receives first. Six years of his career yet almost like reverse split -- was tougher on right reasoning although lefties last year NAFTA has been much more. He has much has had much better success versus left handers -- that doesn't mean David came in. But in a situation Horry and we had a righty that next time werewolves going to bed and Mike he's come up anymore he was briefly for the home run. -- thought we had a -- are better shot and it keeps balance. And again I actually think like you -- I think Mike you know all brought. So I go right right I don't have a problem with what a bit. If they let us play ten guys go to --"

" Now or with that is pretty interest in which just set about. In the first six years of his career than the numbers turning around. How much time do you spend on looking at where the numbers are from it or whether it's numbers or video how much time and."

" like us and most popular earlier you know what I say that's a good example but it'll -- not gonna play tonight. -- I need a reason. Again not just for him before myself don't want to put the right guys out there. And sometimes you don't look at numbers and they tell you some -- you. I feel old and a justifiably but need to dig a little bit deeper because I know what I've seen but it just one element Curome. Not making a mistake or you know it's easy just to look at some numbers are okay -- there. Well you've got a big old people or maybe it wouldn't good like applicable."

" got to find out who your least favorite manager in baseball is the number after that shot back after missing -- I got to -- with -- Some manager."

" That's exactly that -- I don't know and I don't. You could ultimately to be. -- other."

" If somebody. It's time now promote -- son's lunch with Tito today's question comes from Colin proctor from Orleans mass. He says Terry with the acquisition of Victor Martinez Alex Gonzales and now Billy Wagner. Do you think a healthy competition for playing time can help energize veteran players during the long season."

" You know what I don't think there's really a competition for playing time I mean obviously we're going to play who we think can help us win and they understand that. At the same time there's all there's a fine line there and I think our guys walk that line there's. Little star coming. We we are still weak and or the Red Sox and whoever's playing we need to win and they understand that. I think they understand -- a lot better than people probably give them credit for. And I respect that in them and that's why I think this was go to war and and and -- well."

" Line up changes tonight."

" Yeah I think India should not go China go back and stirred up a one game Michael talked but also being knocked out. -- We Kotchman each horse to. We. We got -- first. Because. Jeez it was like which -- thought of sort. Kotchman at first -- right David DH and you -- third victor catching. Pretty good lineup that cost but it may to separate people aren't let."

" Any restrictions on Wakefield tonight."

" Not to hit it isn't going to be interesting but not really I mean we're certainly going to watched. Give a date you'll always used moving around. You know we -- of field position. And they get guys like podsednik did not sure going to test -- and -- certainly adjust our infield to take away some of that potential. But every inning you'll watch how he bounces back if -- sit around out of spectrum. We'll keep political asylum."

" Been sitting here just racking my brain for brutal managers that does drive me crazy."

" So I don't see that's off markedly going to give me a compliment."

" Joe Kerrigan and yeah. No you good to let it all before let's go out really quickly what you expect. What do you expect from Daisuke his in his return to you know getting back condition."

" Michael that stuff that's. 102 million dollar question. -- 103. You know he's going to Florida -- day. And I got to watch it on that little -- field -- we have. I thought his location was pretty good I thought it was good breaking balls replaces -- which it just. I -- his fastball location was pretty good. I didn't think it was overpowering. I think it'll be good to get a little bit more competitive atmosphere. -- but it was noodles about a hundred -- order and I think he's done a terrific job I think he's ready to move on I think dip into a more football park atmosphere rule really be good for him. The start build up -- stamina. It's a little bit different don't on the side as opposed to a game and give up and down trying to get out and ordered -- stretch in the wind up. But I think that after he closest public game and -- five days later to pot pocket. That would clear him on September 8. You know there's probably not going to be another game and a moderately let's double it really rally here so doesn't mean he's going to -- Brussels a separate. But that's and they -- he could."

" Appreciate time as always we'll talk to next week. You know Terry Francona brought to you by Rockies ace hardware stores the sweet spot. Earlier home paint and lawn care projects -- isn't that one on the that the that the Rockies your projects amplified by a make insurance it's not just tiger covered Michael. I treated. And by big anti terrorist got a line. -- hips are covered it's. It's that went what is it. Up by the way for being selected for today as a Mohegan Sun lunch with Tito questioned. Colin Procter has won an overnight stay at Mohegan Sun is now enter to win the end of the season grand prize. Once at Fenway with Terry. On the dale and holly HO -- dale -- Peyton W the -- dot com to submit your question for Terry went with Tito was brought to you by Mohegan Sun world."