Indians seek to clinch AL Central division for a 2nd straight year with Francona leading the way.
In 2018 well-respect Manager Terry Francona has his Cleveland Indians team leading the AL Central by 9 games as we approach the midway point of the season.
In 2016 the Indians lost a heartbreak game 7 in the World Series last season vs. the Cubs. In 2017 they clinched their division and seemed destined to return to the Fall Classic after winning 24 of their last 25 games including an amazing winning streak that went an AL record 22-games.
Yes, it's primarily all about starting pitching and Cleveland still has that. However, the managerial talents of Francona cannot be overlooked. Their Pitching Coach of 5 years Mickey Callaway is gone and is now managing the Mets thanks to a big endorsement by Terry Francona.
After six years in Cleveland Francona has been a winner, posting a 499-391 record with a .561 winning percentage.
Last season, Francona won the AL Manager of the Year for the second time in his career. He won the award in 2013 also with the Indians.
Francona has baseball in his blood. His father was Tito Francona who played for a number of teams, mainly for Cleveland and the Phillies. Terry played in college (University of Arizona) and was a productive MLB utility player for 10-years. He played one season for Cleveland.
Francona's managerial success in 19 years (1528-1306, .539) is evident in the #s and more importantly, won two World Series championships with Boston in 2004 and 2007 ending their long championship curse.
If the Indians go the distance this season, Francona and Indians deserve accolades yet again.
