According to one major league source, on Tuesday Guillen received in the neighborhood of $12 million for the next five seasons, even though the White Sox have been major disappointments this season.
Francona also was aware that Joe Maddon, who was in the opposing dugout last night, recently had the two-year option on his deal picked up by the Devil Rays, taking him through the 2009 season.
Francona is going into the final year of the two-year contract extension he signed in March 2006, one reportedly worth $1.65 million this season and $1.75 million in 2008. (He also received a $650,000 signing bonus that made the total value of the deal $4 million.) Customarily, teams satisfied with their managers don't let them enter the last year of their contracts, essentially placing them in lame-duck status. In 2006, the Sox acted even though they held an option year on Francona for 2007, in part because Francona was paid in the lowest quadrant of big league managers.
Yesterday, Francona spoke carefully when asked whether his contractual future had been discussed. "I think my answer is, I refer you to [general manager] Theo [ Epstein] in this," Francona said.
Epstein last night did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment
They guy needs to stop being such a playes manager and needs to put his foot down. I'm surprised he even said something to Julio Lugo when he didn't run out that ground ball in Toronto that cost us a run. I say the Sox push hard for Tony la Russa, get Tito the hell out of here
