Francona results called `very good'

Terry Francona did not suffer a heart attack Wednesday in New York and team medical director Dr. Thomas Gill said yesterday he is pleased with the results of tests the Red Sox manager has undergone in New York and Boston.

"The plan is to perform several series of tests on Terry," Gill said in a statement. "The results of the initial series are very good. His heart function looks strong, and there is no indication whatsoever of a heart attack."

Francona underwent several procedures at Massachusetts General Hospital to troubleshoot for heart ailments such as blockages, according to someone familiar with the manager's condition.

Francona was said to be resting after yesterday's tests and would likely need a few days to recuperate after today's last battery of tests.

Sox general manager Theo Epstein, asked whether Francona would be able to manage this weekend's three-game series vs. Toronto, indicated "probably not." Brad Mills, who managed the Sox to victory Wednesday at Yankee Stadium, will likely be calling the shots over the weekend.

Gill said he hopes "to release Terry from the hospital soon."

It's possible Francona will return for Monday's Fenway Park opener against the Yankees when the team is scheduled to receive its World Series championship rings.

ESPN had reported earlier yesterday that a blockage was found and Francona was scheduled for surgery, but because the 45-year-old manager felt better yesterday, the surgery was called off. That report could not be confirmed.

"He's doing well. He's still undergoing tests," Sox principal owner John W. Henry wrote in an e-mail last night.

According to one prominent Boston cardiologist who requested anonymity, Francona likely had a cardiac catheterization procedure to search for heart problems.

A very thin plastic tube called a catheter is threaded through a cut in the groin or arm and guided up into the heart. Often, a dye is then injected and an X-ray taken so doctors can get a snapshot of the inner workings of the coronary arteries, valves, and chambers of the heart. They can see, for instance, if there are blockages that prevent the healthy flow of blood.

If major blockages were found, the artery would likely have to be opened with a balloon, according to the cardiologist, but the findings were favorable.

There was concern about Francona's heart, particularly because of circulation problems and clots he suffered in the fall of 2002 when he was interviewing for the Seattle Mariners' managerial job. Francona suffered a blood clot in his lungs as he returned to his Philadelphia-area home from Seattle shortly after he'd had knee surgery. He suffered pulmonary embolisms on each side of his lungs that traveled from his leg to his lungs and he remained in the hospital for four days while he was treated with blood thinners.

Francona also has a permanent filter in his abdomen, which is supposed to prevent further clots from traveling up to his heart or lungs.

"I just hope he's OK," said Toronto Blue Jays general manager J.P. Ricciardi, one of several baseball officials, including Cleveland manager Eric Wedge and Oakland manager Ken Macha, who said they had Francona in their thoughts.

Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi said in an e-mail, "My thoughts and prayers are with Terry." Francona had been asking about Bruschi, who had been stricken with a mild stroke in February.

Nick Cafardo reported from Toronto and Stephen Smith reported from Boston.