Terry Francona said goodbye to the Guardians, so he’s on his way to at least a hiatus and the Hall of Fame.
Francona could wind up as the only managerial change, but we know from history that’s unlikely.
Here’s a rundown of other situations.
1. Bob Melvin, Padres: There’s a reported disconnect between him and GM A.J. Preller, and it’s hard to see them together again (though owner Peter Seidler loves both guys).
Preller’s taking the hits but Melvin didn’t exactly have a year to match his rep.
The Padres are 7-23 in one-run games and 1-12 in extra-inning games.
2. Buck Showalter, Mets: It’s not the fault of the man who won his fourth Manager of the Year award only last year.
With a new boss coming in, a change looks very possible, but a one-year “tryout” can’t be ruled out.
3. Aaron Boone, Yankees: He’s better in the clubhouse than the dugout and there’s discussion, but ultimately, he’s beloved by players and bosses Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman.
4. Terry Francona, Guardians: Rangers bench coach Will Venable and Guardians bench coach DeMarlo Hale are among candidates.
Don’t bet against a Francona comeback after getting health in order.
5. Phil Nevin, Angels: It felt like he was only brought back because the Angels were for sale, but picked up supporters while enduring injuries that ultimately killed their season.
6. John Schneider, Blue Jays: Good personality and they just made a managerial change, but some think they underperformed.
7. Oliver Marmol, Cardinals: The Cardinals have suggested he’ll be back, and while it wasn’t a great year, Cardinals honchos may just be relieved they don’t have Mike Shildt anymore (seen as a good manager but a tough employee).
8. Pedro Grifol, White Sox: New GM Chris Getz, who’s suggested Grifol will be back, presumably was in on the hiring.
9. Dusty Baker, Astros: He doesn’t fit their analytics-first ways, went 2-7 against the Royals and A’s in recent days and his contract is up, but it probably should be up to Baker, who rescued them from trash can hell and won the World Series.
10. Craig Counsell, Brewers: The free-agent manager joining his old boss David Stearns in Queens makes sense and he’s looking to be paid, but it’s hard to see him leaving as 1) He’s from Milwaukee; 2) He’s practically the only manager who lives year-round in the town he manages; 3) His two daughters are in high school in Whitefish Bay; 4) The Brewers win; and 5) The Brewers want him back and are willing to give him a raise from $3.5M.
11. Alex Cora, Red Sox: He was hired with ownership blessing, so Chaim Bloom’s departure shouldn’t affect him.
While he’s been speculated for a front office job, Cora’s too good in the dugout.
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