Terry Francona 'Best Newcomer' in SI.com 2011 Media Awards

12/28/11, "Media Awards: The best and worst from TV, radio, print, online in 2011," SI.com Richard Deitsch

• "Best Newcomer"

"THE PICK: Terry Francona (Fox, ESPN)

Filling in for Tim McCarver for the first two games of the American League Championship Series, Francona was insightful and genuinely funny, both valuable commodities in broadcasting. He laughed at his own clichés and was unafraid to question managers' strategy. He drew raves from fans and critics (Yahoo! Sports baseball writer Jeff Passan tweeted, "Is Terry Francona Wally Pipping Tim McCarver?"). Francona won't be Pipp-ing McCarver, but the former Boston manager has been hired by ESPN to replace new Red Sox skipper Bobby Valentine on Sunday Night Baseball. He'll also be seen on Baseball Tonight. Though I imagine he'll be back in baseball sooner than later, Francona has a chance to be very good if he works at the job."

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