Manager Terry Francon led the Cleveland Guardians to a surprise AL Central title last season. Ben Schwane/Associated Press
CONGRATULATIONS, Aris. Cleveland Guardians manager Terry Francona has been feeling better lately. There was a stick on his left foot that bothered him when he wore his favorite flip flops, but it was much lighter than it had been in the past.
The former major leaguer is struggling with digestion and clotting issues in 2020. He also had to leave the team in 2021 after hip and foot surgery. But his point of view was still the same.
"Everyone says, 'Do you have a prospect?' Francona said Sunday as he continues his 11th training season at Cleveland, "I hate when you lose. I like when we win. But I like doing what we do, but always. I still like that.
"If I wasn't playing baseball, all I could do was dream I was playing baseball."
Francona, 63, is grateful that she no longer limps like she used to, which makes it easier for her. And nothing seems to be missing on that front.
The two-time World Series winner with Boston led the young Guardians to the AL Central title in 2022. He's led Cleveland to four division titles, six playoff appearances and one World Series since 2013.
"We're entering a year where we've maximized our contribution and our performance, and a lot of that is down to Tito," Guardians ace Shane Bieber said. "When you see her smiling, happy and healthy, she's always smiling and happy no matter what. So he's a constant driver here and his energy is always contagious and contagious."
Outfielder Steven Kwan said Francona was "absolutely critical" to the team's success.
"I think the fact that he's at the club is the first thing that's believable," he said. "I mean, when he's walking, you feel a little more comfortable knowing the big dog is up there driving."
Yankees: First baseman Anthony Rizzo spent the offseason nursing a struggling back.
Although great, the slugger knew the problem could return.
"It's something you have to deal with," Rizzo says. “I think anyone who has ever had back pain comes out of nowhere. I think I'd be crazy to sit here and say I won't have a back problem this year because it seems like something happens every year. I'm definitely confident with the preparation and the routine."
Last year, he scored 224 points in 130 games, 41 points below his career high.
New York manager Aaron Boone believes back issues and limited defensive changes are affecting Rizzo's batting average.
"There were times or short weeks this season where he struggled, struggled and that could have affected him," Boon said. "I think he's one of those people who would benefit a lot from the trade rules. It's moved so many people. He's been up against a lot of four-man outfielders, so those things have rubbed off on him a bit.
WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: Major League Baseball has announced that San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Martinez will replace Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw on the shortlist of 30 U.S. players for the World Baseball Classic.
Martinez went 4-4 with a 3.47 ERA in 47 games at San Diego last season, making 10 starts and eight saves. In November, he signed a three-year, $26 million contract with the Padres.
On Friday, Kershaw announced he could not compete in the WBC. The three-time Cy Young Award winner did not specify the reasons that could prevent him from participating.
"The past
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