Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona walks back to the dugout after visiting with the home plate umpire between the sixth and seventh innings of their MLB American League baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachusetts in this file image from September 30, 2009. Francona's eight-year run as Red Sox manager ended September 30, 2011 when the team announced he was not returning next season. Francona, nicknamed Tito, led the Red Sox to the World Series title in 2004 -- ending a championship drought dating back to 1918 - and again in 2007, but speculation about his future increased after the Red Sox missed this season's playoffs after a dramatic late season collapse. Picture taken September 30, 2009.

Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona will find himself back in baseball, albeit temporarily for now as he’s been dubbed by FOX to broadcast the first two games of the ALCS. Tim McCarver is out with a medical issue so Tito will be filling in.

Here’s the release courtesy of Fang’s Bites:

MLB ON FOX lead analyst Tim McCarver will be unable to work ALCS Games 1 and 2 this weekend due what is expected to be a short-term medical issue. McCarver is having a minor heart-related procedure performed late this week and is expected to return to the booth in time for ALCS Game 3 next Tuesday. Former Boston Red Sox manager Terry Francona, who guided that team to World Championships in 2004 and 2007, will take McCarver’s place alongside MLB ON FOX lead play-by play announcer Joe Buck.

Francona was also on The Big Show on WEEI 93.7 FM this afternoon.

He made his first public comments since his press conference on Friday night earlier on WEEI. He talked about the issues that were going on with the team, what he felt ultimately led to the decision to leave, addressed the reports of drinking in the clubhouse and more. Tito also talks about the surprise phone call he got from a former Red Sox player after the announcement on Friday.

You can listen to the entire interview below:

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Now my question to everyone out there in Red Sox Nation is this.

Will you tune in to watch the games just to listen to Francona? Or will you skip it entirely since our boys aren’t playing?

Let us know in the comments.

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Photo credit: Reuters Pictures