Mistakes by Rank

Sad Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf long ago made it clear that the biggest—and probably only—regret in his life was letting Tony LaRussa go. Where does that leave Terry Francona? Francona started his coaching career in the White Sox organization and even managed Michael Jordan at Double-A Birmingham. Francona’s first MLB managing job came in 1997, with the Phillies. The immortal Terry Bevington was at the helm of the Sad Sox that year. So, there are mistakes and mistakes in the world of Reinsdorf, some people who got away he regrets and some he doesn’t. Francona must fall in that second category. I mean, he was available to manage and interested in returning to the dugout. The Reds signed him to a reported three-year deal yesterday. Managers who win two World Series don’t come around that often. The Sad Sox must think they can do better, unless, of course, they contacted Francona and were turned down. But wouldn’t we know if that were the case?