Paul Hoynes talked with Terry Francona this past weekend, and the former Boston manager is very interested in the position:

"Stepping back and getting away for a year really helped me," said Francona, who has managed 12 years in the big leagues and owns a 1,029-915 record. "I wouldn't be interviewing unless I was extremely excited."

Francona also mentioned his relationship with both Mark Shapiro (whom he worked with when both were in the front office in 2000) and Chris Antonetti, whom he met through Shapiro.

Francona is expected to interview with the Indians just after the season ends.