Francona relishing return with Indians

Published Feb. 23, 2013 12:58 p.m. ET

foxsports

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AP) -- From the moment he slipped on a Cleveland Indians jersey this spring, Terry Francona has relished being back with a big-league team after taking one season off following a tumultuous 2011 in Boston. Francona brings excitement and relevance to the Indians, who lost 94 games last season but have been overhauled by a free-agent spending spree.
Francona co-authored a book about his days with the Red Sox, but he isn't dwelling on his storied run with Boston.
Before coming to Arizona, Francona contacted and visited as many Indians players as he could. He wanted to get to know them personally before forming any professional relationships. Francona feels at home in a baseball clubhouse, and enjoys the daily interaction with players.