Francona out with Red Sox
The Terry Francona era is over in Boston.
The manager who led the Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years is out after one of the worst months in club history.
In a joint statement released on Friday, the Red Sox announced they will not pick up the option on Francona’s contract for a ninth year in the wake of the team’s September collapse in which they blew a nine-game lead in the A.L. wild-card race.
Owners John Henry, Tom Werner and Larry Lucchino acknowledged a change was needed and thanked Francona, who led the franchise to World Series titles in 2004 and 2007.
Angels GM resigns
Tony Reagins abruptly resigned as the Los Angeles Angels’ general manager after the big-budget club failed to make the playoffs for the second straight season.
Reagins took over for Bill Stoneman after the 2007 season, rising to the top executive job after starting with the organization as an intern in 1991.
The Angels won the A.L. West in Reagins’ first two seasons, but have fallen behind the Texas Rangers the past two seasons despite a payroll of well more than $100 million.
Sox lock up Santos
Chicago White Sox closer Sergio Santos agreed to an $8.25-million, three-year contract that includes three club options.
The 28-year-old Santos went 4-5 with 30 saves and a 3.55 ERA in 63 appearances this season. He made a major league-record 25 straight scoreless appearances on the road to start the season that spanned from April 2 to Aug. 30.
Clearing the bases
The Oakland Athletics announced they are not renewing the contracts of bench coach Joel Skinner, pitching coach Ron Romanick and hitting coach Gerald Perry. … Florida prosecutors have formally charged former World Series Most Valuable Player Manny Ramirez with domestic violence. The 39-year-old retired slugger was arrested Sept. 12 after his wife told deputies Ramirez slapped her in the face, which caused her to hit her head on a headboard in their bedroom.