Meet the new Sox (same as the old Sox)
Another World Series, another chance to defend a title. Except this time, everyone is back. The Globe's Amalie Benjamin runs down the roster and introduces us to a familiar cast of characters -- the 2008 Boston Red Sox.
postseason statistics
title town
Commemorative
Relive the Celtics' first NBA championship in 22 years.
Bench mark
Red Sox manager Terry Francona has two World Series titles, a new $12 million deal, and the respect of his players and peers. So why doesn't he receive the acclaim he deserves? (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
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Red Sox manager power rankings
The Globe's Nick Cafardo ranks every full-time Sox manager in history. Check out how Francona stacks up.
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Demanding routine for Francona
It's nearing midnight. Terry Francona has been on the job for at least 13 hours. He faces the drive home to Brookline, a chance to talk with his wife, Jacque, for perhaps the first time all day, and a head stuffed with so many thoughts. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
- globe graphic A day in the life of Terry Francona
More than just a side job
The bench coach is usually a job divided among those whose decades of experience - often as former managers - make them invaluable, and those who are managers-in-training. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Old guides prompt memories
There have been 44 managers, one more than the number of US presidents. A few won championships, a few others walked away from the job, but most of them ultimately were bounced to the Jersey Street/Yawkey Way curb to appease angry fans. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Keeping account of changeups
Dusty Baker has one bit of advice for rookie managers Trey Hillman (Kansas City) and John Russell (Pittsburgh): "Talk to other managers. Soak in the knowledge of those who have done it before and done it successfully and never stop doing it." (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Several innovators credited
for managing evolution
Like most aspects of our national pastime, the role of the baseball manager has evolved considerably over the nearly 150 years the game has been a professional enterprise. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Style points are just part of judging
The definitive statement on a baseball manager's worth may very well have been uttered by Hall of Fame pitcher Warren Spahn, who broke into the major leagues in 1942 with the Boston Braves. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Conducting with flair
Hollywood has done a nice job creating images of colorful dugout bosses. Tom Hanks was hilarious as the fictional Jimmy Dugan in "A League of Their Own," and James Gammon pretty much got it right playing Lou Brown in "Major League." (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)
Martinez ready to call the shots
Buck Martinez played 17 seasons for the Royals, Brewers, and Jays, finishing his career in 1986. He left broadcasting to manage Toronto in 2001 and '02 before eventually returning to the booth. (Boston Globe, 3/23/08)