BOSTON, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Terry Francona officially was named manager of the Boston Red Sox on
Thursday, getting a three-year contract with a club option for the 2007 season.
Expectations will be high in Boston again next season, especially with the recent acquisition of pitcher Curt Schilling.
"We're supposed to win here and that is wonderful pressure, believe me," Francona said. "It is great to be part of a winning situation where I could have success."
Francona, 44, spent the last two years as a bench coach, serving in that capacity for Texas in 2002 and Oakland.
"We had some pretty good pitchers in Oakland, but it's hard to stop this team from scoring runs," Francona said.
He managed Philadelphia from 1997-2000, compiling a 285-363 record. Schilling was his ace with the Phillies then and will be in his rotation again in Boston.
The Red Sox spoke to just two other candidates, Anaheim bench coach Joe Maddon and Los Angeles third base coach Glenn Hoffman, before deciding to give the job to Francona.
