| Red Sox manager Terry Francona will not be able to | | | | both knees combined. Last week-end infection has |
| be part of an All-Star tour of Japan because of a | | | | nothing to do with the life-threatening complications |
| foot infection. | | | | he developed after knee surgery in November 2002. |
| Red Sox spokesman John Blake tells us that | | | | This infection is minor compared to what he had in |
| Francona had a foot infection. The severity of the | | | | 2002. Indeed he developed a blood clot in his lungs |
| infection forced him to be hospitalized in California. | | | | and staph infections in both knees that required |
| Blake added that there are no dangers for Francona's | | | | several follow-up operations at that time. Last year |
| life and he will fully recover very soon from his | | | | he has been hospitalized for tests in April after chest |
| infection. However Francona will still not be able to | | | | pains that doctors said were probably caused by a |
| travel to Japan because of the treatment he will | | | | virus. |
| undergo. | | | | As a player Francona played 10 years in the major |
| Francona was in California on a trip with his family | | | | leagues as a first baseman and outfielder. Francona |
| when he was hospitalized. Last year he already some | | | | managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997-2000. |
| medical issues and he had his right knee replaced. In | | | | Then he led Boston to its first World Series title in 86 |
| his career Francona has been pretty bothered by | | | | years during his first season as Red Sox manager in |
| knee injuries since last year's operation was the 10th | | | | 2004. |
| on that knee and he already had 19th operations on | | | | |