By Marc Thaler
Managing Sports Editor

In all walks of life, job security has a funny way of allowing employees to make difficult decisions.

Big-league baseball is no exception. Executing high-risk decisions, though they might yield high rewards, isn’t the conventional approach if you’re walking a tight rope with no safety net below.

Red Sox skipper Terry Francona walked that tight rope for his first two seasons in town. Prior to signing a contract extension in the winter of 2005, the manager surely couldn’t make the tough calls with confidence.

Boston’s front office, after all, showed little confidence in him.

Kind words in front of the cameras coming from the higher-ups don’t mean much if a considerable raise in coin doesn’t accompany the public comments.

More articles • This is it • Nitwit nation • Closing argument • Patriots 102 • Show me the funny! • Tito has veto power • Impact was (mid) major • Patriots 101 • First-ever 'Noddies' • Pigs are flying • Coming to my senses • Farewell to this King • Preseason pressure • New blood • Beautiful day • Game may spark a Super discussion • Boy, his actions make me wonder • First night • Spill on a slippery slope • Groundhog Day on Yawkey Way • Saving the best for last • This Boss born to coach USA • Pa, it appears, still knows best • Giving thanks, gridiron style • Still not convinced they're Super • A costly lesson in time management • Unchallenged and unimpressive • Final thoughts on the '05 season • Story could have horrific ending • Man behind the Mike • Less than Wild about this finish • That's all, Foulke • Several holes in these Sox • Making a generous Pey-ment

Money talks. Management hadn’t shown Francona any of it. However, Tito’s wallet now reaps the benefits of a two-year contract extension. Therefore, a logical conclusion can be reached.

It’s clear previous Francona decisions that frustrated fans were actually out of the manager’s hands.

The first big controversy surrounding Boston’s baseball club this season took a mere 26 innings to surface. In the ninth inning of the ’06 campaign’s third game, Francona gave new meaning to the term “one-and-done.”

Following Keith Foulke’s shaky Opening Day outing – where the closer was hit hard in a ninth-inning non-save scenario – reason existed for Francona to fret.

Two nights later, the local nine were amidst a save situation. Tito turned to young fireballer Jonathan Papelbon to record the final three outs in Boston’s 2-1 win. The young stud needed 11 pitches to retire the Texas Rangers in order.

Consistently reaching 95 mph on the radar, Papelbon was quick and clean in closing the door. He did what a stopper is supposed to do.

He did what Foulke has been unable to do since the’ 04 Fall Classic.

Likewise, Francona found himself in a position of power for the first time. The skipper, without fear of being fired, favored the young pup over the high-profile, multi-million dollar teammate.

Granted, Tito didn’t have Papelbon as a bullpen backup until late last year. Still, instinct tells me Francona’s lack of job security would’ve forced him to handle Foulke in an entirely different manner last year.

It’s hardly a stretch to suggest Francona would’ve stuck with Foulke in ’05 – even if the closer was healthy while simultaneously catastrophic.

Remember old friend Kevin Millar? After a solid ’03 season, the power numbers of Mr. Cowboy Up sunk like a stone.

Had the manager been offered a multi-year deal earlier, Millar’s decline might’ve landed him on the pine.

This appears to be the appropriate time to offer my apology to the manager. I shouldn’t be alone. Without question, the Nation is home to countless criers and complainers who owe apologies, too.

Hindsight makes it clear why Francona couldn’t take a stand.

Imagine, Red Sox Nation. A whole new era of Francona Fodder could be upon us.

If, say, Mike Lowell becomes this year’s Millar, maybe Fenway will be abuzz with the skipper’s decision to actually sit the veteran for underachieving.

When – not if – Manny decides to be Manny, the $160 million-dollar slugger could find himself at the mercy of his manager, rather than the other way around.

OK, so some things will never change.