Since Francona took over as manager in 2013, he has guided the Indians to an American League-leading 352 victories, with two postseason appearances. In his first season, Cleveland enjoyed its best one-year turnaround in terms of wins in the history of the franchise. In Francona's most recent campaign, the Tribe captured the AL Central crown for the first time since '07 and the AL pennant for the first time since 1997.
Francona won the AL Manager of the Year Award for his work in 2013, and he is a leading candidate to take home the honor again this year.