Francona is a below average manager. His in game decisions for the most are questioned by everyone, but they guy wasn't brought in to be a manager. He was brought in to be a baby sitter, he was brought in to keep the players happy. He was hired to keep Manny and Pedro happy and convince Schilling to accept a trade to Boston. He really is a players manager, b/c he sticks with vets waaaay to long and doesn't discipline players when they need it. In my opinion not much coaching is needed in baseball anyway, but Francona does do a great job with the players and handling the scrutiny of the media day in an day out. But ask yourself, how many times have you actually thought, wow, that was a good call or a smart move by Francona?