Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona had a rough 2020 season.
He missed most of the year with several health issues and some may have wondered if he would decide to retire and take it easy.
But Tito is back and appears to be in good spirits as Spring Training gets underway in Goodyear, Arizona.
MLB.com’s Mandy Bell shared several updates detailing what was yet another eventful few months for Francona.
Tito of course handling this all with his usual sense of humor: “I wasn’t all that mobile to begin with, so it’s not necessarily really killing my mobility.”
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) February 19, 2021
The gout and the staph infection do not fall under the category of “good” news.
Another update followed that shared the positive news surrounding the manager.
Good News for Francona
Tito said that he's recovered well from the blood clots and everything he was dealing with during last season. He lost about 20 pounds to get himself in better shape.
"I don't ever want to say [I felt] good about myself, but I was feeling average about myself," he joked.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) February 19, 2021
Recovering from the blood clots is the best news so far.
That is a scary medical problem to have and it appeared to serve as a bit of a wake-up call for Francona, who dropped some weight this offseason.
That seems to be a theme among the team as everyone is showing up for camp.
The Indians skipper will turn 62 years old in April and 2021 will be his ninth year with the team.
So he is not at an age where he is expected to retire, but he is not a young manager either.
Hopefully, all the focus can turn to the team’s performance and away from any lingering issues.
The Manager’s Job Security
There are Indians fans who love Francona and others who want him gone.
That is going to be true with just about any coach or manager of a professional sports team.
But what he has done is brought a real sense of stability to the franchise.
The Indians have not had a single losing season since he arrived and he has led them to the playoffs five times.
His worst finish was an 81-80 record in 2015 before nearly winning it all the following year.
He may be in a position where he can manage as long as he likes, or as long as his health will allow.
The only thing changing this would be a total collapse.
However, the lack of spending by ownership protects Francona as well.
It is not his fault if there just isn’t enough talent to compete in a given year.
A Tough Task in 2021
2021 may be the most unique season of Francona’s time in Cleveland.
Morale took a big shot with the trade of Francisco Lindor and it is the manager’s job to make sure everything seems like business as usual.
Getting Francona back healthy was the most important step.
Now fans get to see if he can adjust to some major changes and make the best of the roster.
He has never had a losing season in Cleveland, so there is no reason to automatically expect one now.
PECOTA shared a generous record prediction for the Indians and even sees the team fighting for a playoff spot.
Francona’s health adds even more sprinkles of optimism into the equation as the season approaches.
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