Word came last night that after a monumental collapse at the end of the season by the Red Sox, that Terry Francona’s contract would not be renewed.

And while earlier today, no decision had been made by Theo Epstein, the ownership of the Red Sox, and Francona, now, he has decided to leave. The man that broke an 86 year World Series Championship drought in 2004, and won another in 2007, is officially history in Beantown.

In a statement, John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino – the ownership of the Red Sox – said:

“We met with Terry Francona, Theo Epstein and Ben Cherington Friday morning to discuss the 2011 season, ways to improve the club in the future, and Tito’s status.  During the meeting, Tito, Theo and Ben agreed that the Red Sox would benefit from an improved clubhouse culture and higher standards in several areas.  Tito said that after eight years here he was frustrated by his difficulty making an impact with the players, that a different voice was needed, and that it was time for him to move on.  After taking time to reflect on Tito’s sentiments, we agreed that it was best for the Red Sox not to exercise the option years on his contract.

We have enormous respect, admiration and appreciation for Tito and the job that he did for eight years, including two World Series Championship seasons and five playoff appearances.  His poise during the 2004 post-season was a key factor in the greatest comeback in baseball history, and his place in Red Sox history will never be forgotten.  We wish him only the best going forward.”

Said Francona, “We met this morning to look back on the 2011 season and to consider the future of the Boston Red Sox, including my involvement with the club.  I passed along my frustrations at my inability to effectively reach the players.  After many conversations and much consideration, I ultimately felt that, out of respect to this team, it was time for me to move on.  I’ve always maintained that it is not only the right, but the obligation, of ownership to have the right person doing this job.  I told them that out of my enormous respect for this organization and the people in it, they may need to find a different voice to lead the team.

In my eight seasons as manager of the Boston Red Sox, I have developed a tremendous appreciation for Red Sox Nation.  This is a special place with some of the most knowledgeable and passionate fans in all of baseball.  They packed Fenway Park for every game and because of them, I had a special sense of pride coming to work every day.  I want to thank John, Tom, Larry and Theo for giving me the opportunity to manage this team through some of the most successful years in this franchise’s history.  I wish the entire organization and all of Red Sox Nation nothing but the very best.”

Theo Epstein issued a statement as well saying, ““Tito and I didn’t know each other when he was hired eight years ago, but over time we developed not only a great working relationship but also a personal friendship that will always be important to both of us.  He proved to be an unflappable leader for our major league club, displaying consistency, calmness, hard work, thoughtfulness, a sense of humor, and faith in the players even at the most difficult of times.  Without Tito’s commitment over eight years, we would not be the organization we are today.  Nobody at the Red Sox blames Tito for what happened at the end of this season; we own that as an organization.  This year was certainly a difficult and draining one for him and for us.  Ultimately, he decided that there were certain things that needed to be done that he couldn’t do after eight years here, and that this team would benefit from hearing a new voice.  While this may be true, his next team will benefit more than it knows from hearing Tito’s voice.  I will miss seeing Tito every day in the manager’s office, and I wish him and his family nothing but the best in their next chapter.”

In eight years with the Red Sox, Francona amassed a 744-552 record (.574) winning two pennants and two World Series titles. In 12 years dating back to 1997 when he also managed the Phillies for four seasons, “Tito” has a 1029 and 915 record (.529).

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

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Maybe it’s just time. Maybe, ownership has said we need a change. Whatever the case, Terry Francona, who guide the Red Sox to two World Series Championships, but just witnessed his team miss the playoffs for the second year in a row in epic fashion, was expected to leave Boston, according to Ken Rosenthal of FOXSports.com. The announcement was expected Friday. According to Rosenthal:

While Francona’s departure is not certain, it is the likely outcome, in part because he is pressing for a resolution, sources say. He would not be fired; the Red Sox would simply decline their club options on him for 2012 and ’13.

At that point, Francona would be free to pursue long-term contracts with other clubs. The White Sox’s position currently is open, and Francona managed five seasons in their minor-league system in the early 1990s.

The Cubs could be another possibility for Francona once they hire a new general manager and proceed with the expected dismissal of manager Mike Quade. Francona played for the Cubs in 1986.

While those are possible managerial destinations, it’s uncertain that he wants them, or if he needs to take the position. He did, however, managed for five years in the White Sox minor league system and is a former player for the Cubs.

However, today when the Red Sox met with Francona, they put the move on hold. Theo Espstein released a statement through the Red Sox reading:

“John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, Ben Cherington and I met with Terry Francona this morning at Fenway Park to exchange thoughts and information on the 2011 season and discuss areas for improvement going forward. We all plan on taking some time to process the thoughts expressed in the meeting. There are no immediate plans for an announcement.”

In eight years with the Red Sox, Francona has amassed a 744-552 record (.574) winning two pennants and two World Series titles. In 12 years dating back to 1997 when he managed the Phillies for four seasons, “Tito” has a 1029 and 915 record (.529).

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

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In a sign that MLB and the MLBPA are close to reaching a new labor agreement, major events for the upcoming 2012 season are already being announced.

Case in point, the league will open its season in Tokyo, Japan for the fourth time when the Athletics will play Mariners in Japan Opening Series 2012, a two-game set scheduled for March 28 and 29.

Japan Opening Series 2012 will mark the first MLB season opener in Japan since the Boston Red Sox and Athletics played at the Tokyo Dome in 2008. Since 1999, ten MLB Clubs (Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox and Oakland Athletics) have participated in international openers.

On top of the games, the league and PA announced that they will be dedicated to assisting in the rebuilding efforts across Japan with more details coming in the following weeks. The following is the tentative schedule of events:

Date                                     Game                                             Venue

Wednesday, March 28     Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics*     Tokyo Dome

Thursday, March 29        Seattle Mariners vs. Oakland Athletics*     Tokyo Dome

*The Athletics will be the home team and the Mariners the visitor for both MLB Championship Season games. Start times will be determined at a later date.

“Major League Baseball is very pleased to give Japanese fans a chance to see the Seattle Mariners and the Oakland Athletics, two franchises with great popularity in Japan,” said Commissioner Selig. “Opening Series 2012 will be an excellent opportunity to bring the game of baseball to fans across the globe and to celebrate the many contributions to the game by Japanese players. Most importantly, with the shared love of baseball between our nations, I believe that we can use this event to further assist the ongoing relief efforts throughout Japan.”

“We are honored to open the 2012 season in Japan. The opening series provides Major League players with an opportunity to use baseball – a sport cherished and revered by both our nations – to help our Japanese friends continue their recovery from the devastating tsunami,” said MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. “Major League players look forward to playing before some of the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans, and we appreciate the support of Nippon Professional Baseball and Yomiuri for helping make this series possible.”

“The Seattle Mariners are proud to represent Major League Baseball and open the 2012 regular season in Japan against the Oakland Athletics,” said Mariners President Chuck Armstrong. “More Mariners games have been televised in Japan over the past ten years than any other MLB team, so the fans there will be familiar with us. This will be a memorable experience for our players and our organization.”

“The Oakland A’s are honored and privileged to participate in this season-opening series,” said Oakland A's President Michael Crowley. “We were fortunate to make our first visit to Japan in 2008 and still remember fondly the warm reception we received from the fans, the host teams, and the people of Japan. We’re very excited about returning next season.”

Overall, more than 875,000 fans have attended 21 MLB Opening Series games in Monterrey, Mexico (Rockies vs. Padres – 1999), Tokyo, Japan (Mets vs. Cubs – 2000, Yankees vs. Rays – 2004, Red Sox vs. Athletics – 2008), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (Rangers vs. Blue Jays – 2001).

Upon conclusion of Japan Opening Series 2012, the Mariners and Athletics will travel back to the United States to complete an abbreviated exhibition schedule before resuming their Championship Season schedules.

Organizers of Japan Opening Series 2012 include MLB, MLBPA, NPB and Yomiuri. Further details on all of the games and events surrounding Japan Opening Series 2012 will be announced at a later date.

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

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Remember a few weeks back how boring the Wild Card races looked in Major League Baseball? Thursday is the last day of the regular season... or is it? The Cardinals and Braves in the NL and the Red Sox and Rays in the AL are all knotted up. It's tiebreaker time.

Major League Baseball has set first pitch times both for Thursday’s potential Wild Card tiebreaker games and for Friday’s pair of Game Ones in the American League Division Series, subject to change.

Either or both of the potential Wild Card tiebreaker games, if necessary, would be played on Thursday, September 29th.  The first pitch times will remain the same whether one game is necessary or two games are necessary.

If a game between the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays is necessary to determine the American League Wild Card, then Thursday’s first pitch at Tropicana Field will be scheduled for 4:07 p.m. (ET).

If a game between the Atlanta Braves and the St. Louis Cardinals is necessary to determine the National League Wild Card, then Thursday’s first pitch at Busch Stadium will be scheduled for 8:07 p.m. (ET)/7:07 p.m. (CT).

Friday’s ALDS Game Ones are set for first pitch times of 5:07 p.m. (ET) and 8:37 p.m. (ET).  The 5:07 p.m. (ET) game will feature either Boston or Tampa Bay playing at either Texas or Detroit.  The 8:37 p.m. (ET) game will feature either the Rangers or the Tigers playing the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium.

The complete Division Series schedule will be released when it is available.  Any tiebreaker games would be covered nationally by TBS and ESPN Radio, both of which will cover all Division Series games.

Enjoy the playoffs before the playoffs

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

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Major League Baseball (MLB) and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) today announced that a team of Major Leaguers will travel to Taiwan this November to play against the Chinese Taipei national team in the 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series.

 The 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series will consist of five games played between November 2 – 6 in three different cities – New Taipei City (XinZhuang Stadium) on November 2, Taichung (Intercontinental Stadium) on November 3 and 4 and Kaohsiung (Chengcing Lake Stadium) on November 5 and 6. Each game will feature the MLB team playing the Chinese Taipei national team and all games will be broadcast live in Taiwan by FTV, Major League Baseball’s exclusive over-the-air broadcaster for regular season and postseason games.

 Major League Baseball and the MLBPA will be selecting the MLB team and staff. A full roster and coaching staff will be released in October.

 “Major League Baseball is excited to take another important step in showcasing our great game to Taiwan, continuing our objective to bring baseball to fans throughout the world,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “We are pleased that many fine players will represent Major League Baseball when they meet the top talents of Taiwan.”

 “Major League players are eager to return to Taiwan as part of the 2011 Taiwan All-Star Series, and they look forward to joining their counterparts from the Chinese Taipei national team in helping grow the world-wide popularity of the game they love,” said MLBPA Executive Director Michael Weiner. “The players also want to thank the people of Taiwan for once again welcoming them to their country.”

 “The baseball community and all of Taiwan are greatly anticipating this opportunity for our national team to compete against players from Major League Baseball,” said Richard T.C. Lin, Secretary General, Chinese Taipei Baseball Association. “We are delighted that Major League Baseball has returned to Taiwan and we look forward to seeing more games played here in the future.”

 There are currently 28 players from Taiwan playing in Major League organizations including two on Major League rosters.

 The most recent MLB trip to Taiwan was in March 2010 when the Los Angeles Dodgers traveled to the country to play a two-game series against the Chinese Professional Baseball League All-Stars. Major League Baseball and the MLBPA are committed to introducing the game at all levels, including providing a showcase for the best baseball talent from all over the world. From the World Baseball Classic to Opening Series, Spring Training Games and All-Star Exhibitions, together MLB and the MLBPA have dramatically expanded the platform for international events, bringing MLB teams and players to fans in Canada, China, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Taiwan and Venezuela.

Source: MLB, MLBPA

Maury Brown is the Founder and President of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football, The Biz of Basketball and The Biz of Hockey, and is a contributor to Forbes SportsMoney blog.. He is available as a freelance writer. Brown's full bio is here. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted through the Business of Sports Network (select his name in the dropdown provided).

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