New setting, same outlook as Francona begins 24th spring as a skipper
Mark Sheldon
@m_sheldonGOODYEAR, Ariz. ¨C One by one on Tuesday, amid taking their physicals, Reds pitchers and catchers went inside Terry Francona's office at the Spring Training complex. There, they saw the new manager along with coaches Derek Johnson, Brad Mills and J.R. House.
The purpose was simple. Francona may have a Hall of Fame-worthy r¨¦sum¨¦, but he is accessible and approachable.
¡°A really good way to start the lines of communication," Francona said. ¡°Just a way where players don¡¯t have to assume and you can hear what¡¯s on their mind. You¡¯re trying to set up the camp where you can see the best of every player. That¡¯s our goal. I thought that was a really good first step.¡±
Coming off a disappointing 77-85 season in 2024 that cost manager David Bell his job with two years left on his contract, Cincinnati made efforts to upgrade around the roster, including the infield, outfield, backup catcher, rotation and bullpen.
But the most headline-making, star-studded addition was the first one ¨C bringing Francona out of retirement in October to manage the young Reds.
"I think everybody was super stoked with the signing," catcher Tyler Stephenson said. "Of course, right when that signing comes out is when that Netflix documentary with the [2004] Red Sox. I watched that, obviously. You hear nothing but great things from just everybody around the league. To sit and watch and kind of see how he is before we get to know him through that documentary and just how those guys were talking to him."
With 23 seasons of managerial experience with Philadelphia (1997-2000), Boston (2004-11) and Cleveland (2013-23), Francona's teams have reached the postseason 11 times -- including three World Series. He won two of them with the Red Sox.
"He¡¯s a legend. He¡¯s been around. He has won everywhere he¡¯s been," Stephenson said. "He brings great vibes and good energy. We¡¯re excited. We haven¡¯t had a bunch of time together, just some phone calls and stuff. So really all of this is like the first time getting to be with him hands on and it¡¯s been fun.¡±
Francona, 65, reached out to every player on the roster after his hiring and had hoped to meet each in person as well.
¡°I didn¡¯t realize we weren¡¯t having Redsfest. That would¡¯ve helped," he said.
Francona did travel to meet some of his players over the winter. For example, he saw Nick Lodolo in Dallas and went to the Dominican Republic and visited with Elly De La Cruz, Jeimer Candelario and Noelvi Marte.
¡°I¡¯ve never seen a group where if you call, they pick up the phone. Maybe they won¡¯t in about six months," Francona said. "They¡¯re good kids."
This weekend, the position players will officially report and like the pitchers and catchers, Francona plans to hold individual meetings with each one. Per usual protocol, one large team meeting is planned ahead of Monday's first full-squad workout.
¡°They¡¯re different ages, at different parts of their careers. I don¡¯t want them ever walking around just not knowing," Francona said. "So you start the lines of communication where, hopefully, they¡¯re comfortable enough where if they have something on their mind, they can come talk to you. Or if it¡¯s not me, it¡¯s D.J. or one of the coaches.¡±
News and notes
Cincinnati's No. 2 prospect and rotation candidate Rhett Lowder is behind schedule because of right elbow soreness, president of baseball operations Nick Krall said on Tuesday. An MRI revealed no structural damage.
¡°He¡¯s throwing. You¡¯ll see him. But he¡¯s going to be a little bit delayed coming into camp," Krall said.
The first official workout for Reds pitchers and catchers is on Wednesday. As of Tuesday, only two pitchers weren't in camp. Non-roster invite Joe LaSorsa was sick and would need a couple of days. Krall noted that non-roster pitcher Albert Abreu, who signed a Minor League contract last week, was still awaiting a visa to leave the Dominican Republic.