The Red Sox decision not to pick up the option of Terry Francona's contract has been a bit puzzling. Sure, the Red Sox have missed the postseason for two straight seasons, and yes, this season it occurred in disastrous fashion. But still, this was the man at the helm when the Red Sox broke "the curse" in 2004. Then he managed Boston to a second World Series title in 2007. 

So where did this come from? With general manager Theo Epstein careful not to place blame on Tito after the season ended, how is it that he is expected to be shown the door on Friday? Boston Globe beat writer Peter Abraham, citing a source, thinks he has the answer. Ownership wants Franco out:

The decision is coming from the ownership level according to sources. While Epstein was careful to say yesterday that he did not blame Francona, owner John Henry has remained quiet on the subject. During the team's September collapse, Francona said several times that he had no communication with Henry.

As Abraham points out, the Red Sox will have suitors lining up for the role on a free-spending, perennial contending team. But right now it's difficult to see how Boston's ownership thinks it can do better than the man who delivered two World Series titles in the last seven years.