Tito is a nice guy, but that hasn't translated into wins this year.  The Sox went 90-72 in 2011, for a .556 average.  That is simply not enough wins for a team with a $160 million payroll.  The Tampa Bay Rays, the team that ran off with the Sox' playoff spot, has a payroll of just $42 million.

Francona is the most successful Red Sox manager in history, but history doesn't help the team today.  Red Sox owner John Henry's hands are tied.  Ultimately, the Red Sox went 7-20 in September and Francona couldn't figure out a way to stop the bleeding.  He has to go.

The Sox began the season by losing the first six games and then worked themselves up to a pathetic 2-10.  This isn't the first time Francona sent a team into the regular season unprepared.  If the Sox had been able to win just one of those early games, they would be in the playoffs today and Tito would not be in danger of losing his hat with a big red B in olden font.

Letting Tito go is the right move for the team.  I believe it will happen soon.