11/16 Francona says will take year off

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona does not expect to be filling out lineup cards in 2012. In an interview with CSNNE.com on Wednesday, Francona said it was best to take a step back for a season. That would eliminate him from the Cubs’ managerial vacancy, for which he had been mentioned loosely as a candidate by Theo Epstein.

“I’m not going to try to manage next year,” Francona told CSNNE.com’s Sean McAdam, “for my benefit.”

Last week, Francona interviewed with the Cardinals, but they went with Mike Matheny instead.

“When I interviewed in St. Louis, I was genuinely excited about it,” said Francona. “St. Louis was such an exciting opportunity. But we were all  beaten up at the end of the year, and after [interviewing] I took a step back and began to look at things realistically.”

And what about the Cubs, who have yet to select a manager?

“I’ve talked to Theo numerous times,” Francona said. “We both know each other well enough where we can be honest with each other. I don’t think it’s the right opportunity.”

– Carrie Muskat