Terry Francona: Who Will Replace Francona?

The Boston Rex Sox won't admit that Terry Francona is out as the manager of the Boston Red Sox, but the writing is certainly on the wall after FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal reported that Francona wants the team to let him walk.

Once the announcement is official, the team will be on the lookout for a new manager. Who might the Sox have in mind for the position?

Dave Martinez

Martinez is a bench coach that is currently with the Tampa Rays, who are actually in the playoffs. Martinez is expected to be one of the favorites to land with the Chicago White Sox after they relieved Ozzie Guillen of his duties.

He has a lot of potential and experience, and could immediately help out the Red Sox.

Is he a better coach than Francona? That's doubtful, but he wouldn't be a terrible choice.

Joe Torre

This is pure, 100 percent speculation, but what bigger way to make a splash than to bring in the former Yankees skipper?

It remains to be seen if Red Sox nation would even accept the move, but it will certainly be fun to talk about.

Pete Mackanin

Mackanin is currently the bench coach for the Philadelphia Phillies, and should be on the short list of candidates to replace Francona.

ESPN's Buster Olney also agrees that Mackanin should be on the list of potential candidates.

He bring a lot of intelligence to the mix, and certainly knows how to handle a team that is loaded with stars from top to bottom.

Ryne Sandberg

Sandberg should be considered the wildcard candidate to get this job. He interviewed for the Red Sox's Triple-A job in 2010 before accepting a job with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, who are the Phillies' Triple-A affiliate.

He is certainly a guy the Sox have shown interest in before, so be sure to keep an eye out for him as well.