I don't understand why so many people bash Francona. Of course he is under a microscope and any bad move he makes, he is crucified. You don't see hear a lot people write many positive things Francona does.
Terry has done a better job than I expected. First, he was the manager that killed "The Curse" and brought Boston a World Series title. Also, probably the biggest decision he made this year that has kept the Red Sox in playoff contention was putting Paps in the closer role. If you read the game thread on all the Red Sox message boards from the first game Paps closed, there were many Sox fans who were saying if he blew that game, Francona should be fired. As it turned out, Terry made the correct call but I have not read many threads about that. I just read threads like this one.