9/30/2011 11:17:35 PM

To: Boston Red Sox Upper Management

Wow, I thought that two days ago was a bummer when the Boston Red Sox didn't make the playoffs. But then tonight, news that Boston Manager Terry Francona is moving on. Upper management must be out of their minds; does anyone remember that Red Sox Manager Francona's team won the World Series in 2004 and 2007 and contended in 2011 until the team recent failure. (Lower Level) managers in any job need their supervisors to back them out, to help them deal with the team personnel problems. Why didn't upper management help Francona set player expectations and help enforce those expectations? No, instead, Francona is encouraged to leave. I feel sorry for players Jacoby, Adrian, Jonathon, Dustin, Marco, etc. Who from the upstairs office went to bat to help the? The Sox miss the 2011 playoffs by the slimmest of margins and the manager is given his "walking papers." Such public displays of non-support do not bode well for the team. Surely, other 2011 team members will want to get away from the Boston Red Sox as well.  Would this have happened had the Sox made the playoffs? I doubt it.

You solved your problems with the age method of ineffective and disastrous and embarrassing blame; I don't fault Mr. Francona for desiring to be out of Boston, and to be into a more positive baseball environment. In the meantime, I think that upper management blew it and needs to replace themselves.

I protest your failures.

Bob Hoff, MA born, NM resident

BRS fan for 59 years.

P.S. Best of luck Mr. Francona and Red Sox players.

Bob Hoff