Cleveland Indians: Terry Francona continues to prove why he is the best

Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona gave his players a treat before Friday’s game, showing why he is so well-liked among his players.

The Cleveland Indians picked up a big 10-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night one day after a doubleheader that surely had everyone a bit exhausted.

But the way this team responded showed that one bad game never has any long-lasting effects, which is due in part to the management of Terry Francona.

Those who watched Friday’s game likely saw a clip showing how he was able to lighten the mood before the series in Kansas City.

More from Away Back Gone

• Cleveland Guardians tantalizingly close to locking up AL Central tiebreakers
• Cleveland Guardians: Terry Francona becomes meme in profanity-laced ejection
• Say goodbye to defensive shifts and hello to bigger bases, pitch clock in 2023
• Cleveland Guardians: Shane Bieber second-fastest to 800 strikeouts in major-league history
• The next week will make or break the Cleveland Guardians’ season

In a sport where clubhouses are sometimes stripped of any sense of fun, Francona knows his players are human and need some time to relax, especially in the midst of a long road trip.

MLB clubhouses are already filled with plenty of distractions, but it is the gesture by Francona that shows his players he understands the long haul of the season. At the same time, he needs to have some fun too.

There are new players in the clubhouse and some key ones injured, and this team has high expectations.

Stress can be overbearing for some groups, but it all comes down to management. And not only is Francona a quality manager, he may be one of the best this team has ever had.

Next: Kluber's injury not expected to be serious

That is why it was so alarming when he had to miss time, and the All-Star Game, due to health issues. There are players like Corey Kluber and Jose Ramirez whose absences are noticed, but losing Tito would be huge. Luckily, he is able to keep a positive attitude and keep his players motivated in the midst of a mentally grueling season.