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Terry Francona joined the Mickael Kay show to talk about his reception at the Fenway anniversary.

Believe it or not, he said his most emotional moment at Fenway's celebration on Friday came when he saw Red Sox outfielder Nate Spears in a major league uniform.

CLICK HERE to listen to the podcast.

Francona also weighs in on how replay could work in MLB and gives his take on the Mets' start to the season.

Former Red Sox manager Terry Francona remembers walking out on the field for the 100th anniversary celebration of Fenway Park.

Former Red Sox manager and current ESPN analyst Terry Francona admitted that he has a swirl of emotions about returning to Fenway Park for the 100th anniversary celebration on Friday.

Appearing on the Michael Kay Show, he was asked if he's nervous about stepping on the Fenway field again.

"Oh yeah, are you kidding me?" Francona said. "It's my first time back at Fenway. ... I called it home. That's really what it was. There will be a lot of emotions, for sure."

Francona had originally said he would not attend because of the way things ended between him and the Red Sox after the collapse of 2011. Then on Wednesday, Francona told ESPN that he changed his mind because he believes he owes it to the fans to show up.

"Over the course of the week, talking to friends and some people that I trust, or people that I care about, kind of convinced me that [I] may be putting [myself] ahead of some other people, the fans especially, and maybe some of the former players, regardless of my feelings towards what happened to me. So ... in the end I was like, 'You know what, that makes sense.'

"You know, every game I ever managed there was a sellout. And even though when you become the manager of the Red Sox you immediately become the dumbest person on the face of the earth, because everybody second-guesses you -- I mean that teasingly -- they're still the greatest fans in the world. And if I didn't [attend the ceremony], I'd probably end up letting some people down."

Francona is expected to get a huge ovation from Red Sox players and fans alike.

On his weekly chat with Michael Kay, current Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said he's happy Francona will attend the ceremony and that the cheers for him "will be loud and long."

"Tito definitely deserves to be cheered," said Valentine. "On the day that we're commemorating the history of Fenway Park and everything that's happend over the hundred years, Tito's been as big a part as anybody who will be on that field."

"I think he deserves a standing ovation for what he did," Red Sox pitcher Daniel Bard said Wednesday. "He was such a big part of so many good things that happened here."

To hear Michael Kay's full interview with Tito, CLICK HERE.

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- And, of course, Terry Francona could not come to town without having a good story attached.

This one involved Francona running out of gas on I-75 short of his exit in the Fort on Tuesday night while in the company of two of his ESPN colleagues, play-by-play man Dan Shulman and news editor Claire Smith.

“When I said I was out of gas I think they thought I meant I was tired,’’ Francona said Wednesday. “Me and Dan Shulman are pushing Claire Smith on down 75. It was not good.

“Finally we couldn’t push any farther. I walked into a gas station, and some guy rolled down his window. It was the guy who installed my cable at the old ballpark. He gave me a ride and I paid for his drinking the rest of the night.’’

Part of the problem, Francona said, was that he got lost looking for the restaurant they were planning to rendezvous with some former Sox employees -- a place he knew well from eight years spent here.

Francona was doing a live interview on WEEI some years ago during spring training when his car was rear-ended.

The former Sox manager, here as part of the "Sunday Night Baseball" team broadcasting Thursday night’s game, wasn’t planning to visit the clubhouse Wednesday afternoon, but was greeted by many of his former players.

Darnell McDonald came over and embraced. David Ortiz applied a bear hug from behind. “Don’t sweat on me,’’ Francona cracked. “Hey Peewee,’’ he shouted at Dustin Pedroia. “What are you talking to those guys [media] for?’’ Pedroia shot back. “You’re one of them now.’’

McDonald later tweeted: "Good to see Tito! I know gas prices are high but don't be afraid to stop and spend some of that money!''

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Wearing an ESPN polo jersey instead of the Red Sox warmup shirt that he had sported for the last eight springs, former manager Terry Francona paid his first visit to the Red Sox since parting ways under duress last October.

Francona left little doubt that the circumstances of his departure, especially the public humiliation he endured because of a front-page Boston Globe story that discussed his marital issues and raised questions about his use of pain medication, have left lasting wounds.

Francona, who was here as part of the ESPN "Sunday Night Baseball" team televising Thursday night’s game between the Yankees and Red Sox (which will be blacked out in Boston), was asked whether he planned on attending the 100th anniversary celebration of Fenway Park next month.

“I didn’t know about that,’’ he said. “I don’t know, I wouldn’t anticipate it at this point. I’m not quite ready for the hugs yet. I’m trying to stop the bleeding.’’

Francona later said that he was “teasing” about the bleeding, but his further remarks on the subject appeared to belie that position.

“You know what, when you go 7 and 17 (the Sox actually went 7-20 in September), especially as manager you open yourself up for criticism,’’ Francona said. “I think you probably deserved to be criticized.

“I tried to take responsibility in that last press conference. I thought there were things that needed to be done where my voice necessarily wasn’t the one that was doing the best job at that point. I thought I was pretty open and honest about that.

“After that when I left I thought I would just leave. What happened after that really hurt me a lot, and it probably always will. But the best thing to do is try to move on. I mean, carrying grudges and stuff like that is not real healthy. I spent eight years there, we did a lot of good stuff, and so that hurt me a little bit.’’

Francona was asked about the phone conversation he had with Red Sox owner John W. Henry this spring after he’d mentioned that he and Henry had not spoken since he left. Francona was asked if the conversation was therapeutic.

“I don’t know, it was probably five months too late,’’ Francona said. “We talked. It doesn’t matter anymore. That’s what I told him, we should have had this conversation a long time ago because anything you say now doesn’t matter. But he was good.’’

Francona said he had been “real excited” about the St. Louis Cardinals managing job, a position for which he interviewed but was passed over in favor of newcomer Mike Matheny. The only other managing vacancy was with the Chicago Cubs, where his former boss, Theo Epstein, had just been named president of baseball operations.

“The Cubs’ job, Theo and I both knew it wasn’t the right thing for either one of us at the time. Nothing against Theo, or I don’t think me, either, but the timing wasn’t right.’’

Francona said his “passion” is to be on the field, but that he decided it would be “really healthy” to step away for a time, “and look at baseball without so much emotion.

“I think that will be good for me,’’ he said. “I was pretty worn down by the end of last season.’’

It didn’t help that a reputation unsullied during his time in Boston was shredded in the days after he left.

“I got out of town quick,’’ he said. “That was helpful. I didn’t want to sit and read everything, hear everything. It was pretty raw. When you part ways, it’s hard. I spent eight years of my life there, and I didn’t really have a chance to go through those emotions, because three days later all hell broke loose.

“It was weird, difficult. It wasn’t like the normal, ‘OK, you’re going to pick up and move on,’ because all of a sudden all kinds of things were flying around, so it wasn’t the normal circumstances.’’

Terry Francona, who was recently hired by ESPN as a baseball analyst (including serving as a broadcaster for Sunday Night Baseball), discussed the Red Sox last night from the Winter Meetings in Dallas. Check out the video above.

Some highlights:

-- Discusses the September collapse: "A lot of mixed emotions obviously. It was our worst nightmare and in a place like Boston, pretty volatile on a good day, it cost people jobs. I understand that, a lot of things went wrong. That doesn’t mean that’s not going to be a good team. There’s a ton of good pieces and every year Boston goes to spring training, regardless of whether I’m there or Bobby, they’re going to put a team that has a chance to win."

-- Things that a manager in Boston has to deal with that make it unique: "The hardest thing I felt was trying to have an atmosphere where the players can play the game and not worry about the things on the periphery. Because in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, you deal with those things more than in other towns, that’s just the way it is."

-- Pitching in September was really what did the Red Sox in: "Not pointing a finger at a pitcher, but when you’re ERA is 6 and above or your starters are going 4 or 5 innings, it just puts a burden on the whole team."

-- What could turn things around for the Red Sox? "Winning. But that turns it around anywhere. When you think you have enough pitching, go get more ... every team comes out of spring training, they always say, 'yeah, we’re good' ... go get more pitching."

-- The closer situation: Karl Ravich specifically asked Franonca what he'd do with Daniel Bard. "Bard can do anything," Francona said. "Daniel Bard can close, he can set up, he can start. He’s so valuable in that set-up role that I would think they’d want to keep him there. … But he’s going to want to close, he’s going to make more money that way."

Terry Francona was distracted by marital issues and his use of pain medication last season, a team source told the Boston Globe, an allegation the former Red Sox manager denied.

"It makes me angry that people say these things because I've busted my (butt) to be the best manager I can be," Francona said when the Globe presented him with their findings. "I wasn't terribly successful this year, but I worked harder and spent more time at the ballpark this year than I ever did."

Francona's eight-year tenure with the Red Sox came to an end earlier this month in what has been called a mutual decision. The team declined to exercise an option on Francona's contract following Boston's historic September collapse in which the Red Sox went 7-20 and failed to make the playoffs.

Francona has been separated from his wife, Jacque, this year.

According to the Globe, "team sources" also had concerns that Francona's performance may have been affected by his use of pain medication. Francona, who has had nearly 20 surgeries on his knees, has used pain medication for many years. He told the newspaper he used painkillers after knee surgery last October and used them during the season to relieve the discomfort of doctors draining blood from his knee at least five times.

Francona told the newspaper that he consulted with the team's internist, Dr. Larry Ronan, during spring training after one of his children expressed concern about a pill bottle in his hotel room. "I went and saw the proper people and it was not an issue," Francona said. "It never became an issue, and anybody who knew what was going on knows that.''

BOSTON -- Being a baseball lifer, as Red Sox manager Terry Francona is, it’s easy to enjoy and respect the rich history of the game.

It’s also no surprise that Francona has connections to the three new members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Pitcher Bert Blyleven, second baseman Roberto Alomar and executive Pat Gillick were all being inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., today.

Francona once interviewed for a managerial job with the Seattle Mariners when Gillick was the GM there, and played winter ball with Alomar as Alomar was just breaking into the majors.

“I got to know him pretty well, actually,” Francona said. “He was young and it was obvious he could do anything he wanted, whether it was defensively, on the bases, or at bat. You could see it coming.”

In 1970, when Francona, the son of former big leaguer Tito Francona, was 11, he went on a road trip with his dad and saw Blyleven pitch.

“He threw a two-hitter against the Milwaukee Brewers and I think that’s when my dad knew I was paying attention,” Francona said. “After the game I came into the clubhouse and said, ‘Dad, you’ve got no chance hitting that curveball.’ Then I faced him in the big leagues a little bit. He was pretty old and I got some hits.”

BOSTON -- After Red Sox manger Terry Francona won his 1,000th game Saturday night at Fenway Park, he ate a grilled cheese sandwich and grabbed his cell phone.

While enjoying his normal postgame meal, he had a chance to read and listen to the many text messages and voicemails he received after his milestone victory.

“The prevailing thought seems to be that people are surprised I’m still here. I got that more than anything,” Francona said with a laugh Sunday morning. “I got some nice messages from people that mean a lot to me and that made me feel better than anything.”

It was clear Francona would rather talk about the team and not about his personal accomplishments.

“I was honored and I was proud, but I’m a lot more comfortable talking about our guys and the team. I think that’s the way it should be.”

Francona became the 57th manager to reach the plateau, joining seven active managers: Tony LaRussa (2,691), Jim Leyland (1,547), Dusty Baker (1,454), Bruce Bochy (1,332), Davey Johnson (1,158), Mike Scioscia (1,035) and Jack McKeon (1,027).

“It’s a round number, but then you look at those other guys and you need to hush up because there are some guys with some pretty big numbers who are still managing,” Francona said. “It’s actually kind of humbling a little bit. It makes you realize how long they’ve been doing it and how hard it is to win.

“If you see my name with [2,700 wins] then there will be an asterisk because I’ll be dead. That would be quite an accomplishment,” Francona said.

A Red Sox victory over the Seattle Mariners tonight would make Terry Francona the 57th manager to win at least 1,000 games in the Majors.

Francona currently has 999 career managerial wins, including 714 with Boston since 2004. He collected 285 victories managing the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997 to 2000.

Francona would join seven other active skippers to reach the 1,000-win mark: Tony LaRussa (2,690), Jim Leyland (1,546), Dusty Baker (1,453), Bruce Bochy (1,331), Davey Johnson (1,157), Mike Scioscia (1,034) and Jack McKeon (1,026).

BOSTON -- After being ejected from Sunday’s game, Red Sox manager Terry Francona did not seem pleased that Orioles relief pitcher Mike Gonzalez delivered a pitch behind the back of Boston DH David Ortiz in the bottom of the sixth inning.

“It looked a little, ah, it makes you think,” Francona said. “The ball was 3 feet behind him. That’s where somebody gets hurts. That’s the point when somebody can really get hurt when you do something like that.”

Earlier in the game, Red Sox rookie starter Kyle Weiland hit the Orioles’ Mark Reynolds with a pitch in the third inning.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, the Sox’s Kevin Youkilis was drilled on the elbow with a pitch by Orioles reliever Jeremy Guthrie. Due to a pair of bench-clearing brawls between the clubs on Thursday, home-plate umpire Marty Foster issued warnings to both clubs Sunday afternoon.

“It was a change-up. I wasn’t mad. Nobody was mad,” Francona said. “Youk got hit with a change-up and I was very surprised [by the warnings].”

Since both benches were given warnings, when Weiland hit Vladimir Guerrero in the top of the fifth inning, the rookie and Francona were ejected.

It didn’t end there.

Gonzalez threw behind Ortiz in the bottom of the sixth inning and the pitcher, along with Baltimore skipper Buck Showalter, were immediately ejected.

In Game 2 of this series on Friday, the teams were involved in a pair of bench-clearing brawls when Ortiz and Baltimore reliever Kevin Gregg got into two different confrontations during an at-bat in the eighth inning.

After Sunday's game, Weiland said that he didn't agree with the warnings.

"I didn't think the warnings were really warranted," he said. "Youkilis got hit on a change-up, so that was a little confusing that that got warned, but if that's the way the rules go, I know [with] the last few games, you can't really do much about it."

BOSTON – Injured Red Sox outfielder Carl Crawford (left hamstring strain) will meet with team physician Dr. Thomas Gill later Monday and if everything goes well, the left fielder is expected to begin baserunning drills during the club’s current homestand.

“He had a really good day today,” said Red Sox manager Terry Francona. “And it’s not an easy day to have a really good day because we got off the plane [Sunday night] at 11 and with a quick turnaround. He increased the intensity a little bit and changed direction.”

Crawford suffered the injury and was placed on the disabled list on June 18. There’s a chance he could return soon.

“He has to do some more baseball activities, but he has to go full speed on the bases for his own peace of mind,” explained Francona.

“This kid is in great shape. He’ll conquer this easily. We just don’t want to get in his way,” added Francona.

Francona also said that pitcher Clay Buchholz (lower back strain) would not return to the rotation during this homestand.

After the game, Buchholz and Francona said the right-hander will see a back specialist in North Carolina sometime this week.

PITTSBURGH -- Terry Francona has had to make plenty of decisions during his eight seasons as the Red Sox's manager. He admits that the one he is currently mulling is one of his toughest.

Francona is still unsure if designated hitter David Oritz will play in the field during the Red Sox's nine-game interleague road trip. Because the games are in National League parks, the DH rule is not in effect.

Francona's biggest fear is that first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who leads the major leagues with a .360 batting average, could get hurt while moving to right field in order to make room for Ortiz in the lineup. The Red Sox signed Gonzalez to a seven-year, $154 million contract extension in April.

Ortiz did not start Friday night in the first game of the trip and is not in the starting lineup for Saturday night's game against the Pirates. Francona all but ruled out playing Ortiz at first in Sunday afternoon's finale of the three-game series.

The Red Sox play three-game series at Philadelphia and Houston next week.

"I'm not sure what's right but I do think I maybe know what's not right," Francona said before Saturday's game. "Until I'm convinced that it's OK to try it, I'm just going to stay away. I'm really hung up on this and I don't want to make a decision on something I'm struggling with."

Francona said he would think the situation over further on the flight from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia after Sunday's game. He has also had extensive conversations with general manager Theo Epstein about the subject.

"I'm just not ready to do it and Theo is completely on board with that," Francona said.

Miller gets Sunday start
Left-hander Andrew Miller (0-0, 4.76) will make his second start for the Red Sox on Sunday since having his contract purchased from Class AAA Pawtucket when he faces James McDonald (7-4, 4.86).

The 6-foot-7 Miller did not figure in the decision Monday in the Red Sox's 14-5 victory over San Diego at Fenway Park as he allowed three runs on seven hits with three walks and six strikeouts in 5 2/3innings. It was the most strikeouts by a lefty making his Red Sox's debut since Kevin Morton fanned nine against Detroit in 1991.

"He's a tall guy and he's all arms and legs in his delivery," Francona said. "He went down to Pawtucket out of spring training and really straightened out his delivery. I liked what I saw of him (Monday)."

McDonald is a first cousin of Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald.

Notes
Reliever Bobby Jenks is scheduled to begin a rehab assignment with Class AA Portland on Saturday night, starting at New Hampshire in an Eastern League game. Jenks has been on the disabled list since June 8 because of back tightness. ... Gonzalez's 111 hits are the second-most by a Red Sox's player through the club's first 75 games. Hall of Famer Tris Speaker had 119 at that point in 1912. ... Kevin Youkilis's 14 RBIs in interleague play this season lead the majors.

BOSTON -- My skates are off and my spikes are back on for the remainder of the Red Sox season. I’m back at Fenway Park today and here are some morning updates from manager Terry Francona:

-- Red Sox starter Josh Beckett is still dealing with the flu bug and remains questionable for his next scheduled start on Saturday at Pittsburgh.

“He’s really sick,” Francona said. “Doctors are trying to figure it out. I have not seen him this morning. He wasn’t good yesterday and we’re going to have to play this one by ear. There are some pitchers, because of the off day, that we’re actually OK.”

If Beckett begins to feel better in the coming days, Francona is not inclined to throw the veteran right-hander out there immediately.

“We’ll see how he responds [Thursday],” Francona said. “He just has a good old-fashioned case of the flu.”

In case Beckett can’t pitch on Saturday, lefty Andrew Miller is set to throw a shorter side session on Thursday in case he’s needed to start in place of Beckett.

-- Right-handed reliever Bobby Jenks will throw a side session on Thursday and will increase his workload more than the 20-pitch session he tossed on Tuesday. Francona said Jenks has made “really rapid steps” in the last three or four days. If he responds well after Thursday’s extended session, the team and the medical staff will make a decision where Jenks goes from there.

-- Injured Red Sox shortstop Jed Lowrie is in Los Angeles and will have his left shoulder examined today by Dr. Lewis Yocum. Francona said there could be an update on Lowrie’s condition following this afternoon’s game.

According to a Major League Baseball source, Red Sox manager Terry Francona will not be suspended for his on-field confrontation with umpire Joe West on Friday. It is unknown if West will be punished.

On Tuesday in Toronto, Francona denied any wrongdoing in the skirmish with West that included some bumping between skipper and umpire following a disputed balk call on Tim Wakefield.

“I didn’t bump anybody, I don’t know what you’re watching,” Francona said. “I might have taken a charge.”

Editor's note: Due to an error, this report originally indicated Francona would not be disciplined. We have adjusted it to indicate he would not be suspended.