Terry Francona's Introductory Press Conference Was A Perfect Reminder That Baseball Is So Much Better With Tito Back In The Dugout

In case you missed it, Terry Francona was announced as the new Reds manager over the weekend which surprised everyone and no one at the same time. On one hand, we all thought Tito was done for health and wellness and just generally already accomplishing everything in a big league dugout. On the other hand, it's Tito and that word alone represents the consummate Baseball Guy. 

One year on the sidelines was more than enough to spread the proverbial rash. And now he's itching/scratching (?) it in Cincinnati - quite literally the home to professional baseball. 

In that role, Tito made his press conference debut today and had some awesome Tito moments. But first a note on Cincinnati being home to professional baseball. 

Cincinatti was the first team to pay more-talented players to join their team in the 1870's. This is before there was formally organized professional baseball. At the time you just had clubs across the country competing in various associations and leagues. The Cincinnati Reds created an advantage by selling beer and then paying players. A few years into the model, the Reds went an astounding 56-0 (or something like that). So many other clubs complained that the Reds chartered a new league where you could pay players and people wouldn't bitch about it: The National League.

There were 8 teams in the original 1876 charter with Cincinnati leading the way. So if you're curious as to why baseball people/purists are pulled to Cincinnati's history, there's a big piece to the answer. The Reds are literally home to the professional game. 

Even so - Tito coming out of retirement for Cincinnati is still surprising and that's largely because I just don't see their ownership having the balls or foresight to pull it off. 

But alas they did and he was introduced today. Here are a couple highlights to what should be an amazing next chapter of Cincinnati baseball that is destined to make me even more disappointed about the current/future state of the Chicago Cubs under Craig Counsell. BUT I DIGRESS. 

Here's Tito: 

"I'm not smart, but I'm not that dumb." 

On beating people's ass

Classic baseball guy answer about having fun is actually just playing good clean ball and beating the brakes off the other guy. Any and all other concepts about "Having fun" on a baseball field are completely misguided and quite frankly, a little embarrassing. 

"I think he hit one into the river" 

I can't wait to see how much better Elly plays under Tito's leadership. This is not an exaggeration but more pure fact and now is the time I remind you that Tito is beloved by Dominican baseball culture. 

"I stepped away because I didn't think I was doing the job to the necessary caliber" 

Only showing this because I like a t-shirt under a suit provided you can pull it off: 

And Tito very much can. You better believe that old sailor's still got it. 

"I hope you never hear me talk about payroll" 

Legit LOL when Tito shut this down out of the gate. You're questioning a man that consistently managed one of the 3-4 cheapest teams in baseball for over a decade. That's 10+ offseasons of the Dolan family stiffing you in free agency. You don't put up that body of work like Tito only to take the Cincinnati job with a wish list. And personally, that's probably the scariest thing about having this man in the Cubs' division now. He truly does not care about resources provided they're MLB caliber players. After that, you can pretty much pencil in 90+ wins. 

I've reached out to every single player (and I believe) every staff member. 

I think he had the job for less than 48 hours by the time of this press conference. So basic math suggests Tito is a high functioning social manager which should surprise absolutely no one at all whatsoever. 

I played with Pete Rose in 1984…I thought he walked on water

Last nugget is just a solid clip for baseball guys everywhere. It's just cool to hear Tito talk about Pete Rose and I don't want to make that too complicated. All I need to say is that it's overly obvious Tito Francona makes MLB better and we're lucky to have him back in a dugout. Even if it's a near guarantee my Cubs are in big trouble. 

Even so: Welcome back Tito.