Terry Francona Leaving the Red Sox?

After the Red Sox epic September collapse that cost them a playoff berth Wednesday night, members of the Boston baseball organization's upper management are talking about Manager Terry Francona's departure, according to Boston.com.

Sources tell Boston.com that the decision is coming from the ownership level, that owner John Henry is not interested in signing the option to keep him on for another year on Francona's expired contract.

However no decision has been publicized. Epstein issued the following statement early this afternoon after management met with Francona this morning:

"John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, Ben Cherington and I met with Terry Francona this morning at Fenway Park to exchange thoughts and information on the 2011 season and discuss areas for improvement going forward. We all plan on taking some time to process the thoughts expressed in the meeting. There are no immediate plans for an announcement."

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