...his decision not to attend Fenway's 100th anniversary fete. That's what former Red Sox manager Terry Francona did on Wednesday. Francona, who was not brought back as manager following the team's epic September collapse and was blemished by subsequent revelations of poor clubhouse comportment by players, initially told Dan Shaughnessy he would feel "hypocritical" attending the celebration. Francona's about-face about coming to Fenway on Friday is some much-needed good news for the Sox in a week highlighted by new manager Bobby Valentine creating a firestorm with comments questioning Kevin Youkilis' focus. Francona showing up to get a deserved salute from the fans for his eight years of service, which included a pair of World Series titles, might finally allow the healing process to begin for the Sox, on and off the field. It's been obvious thus far that the wounds of last season remain raw and only festered during the offseason. Perhaps, Francona's presence will prove cathartic for him, his former players and the fans, who have lashed out at his replacement as a symbol of their displeasure with the team's current state. Last September can be buried, once and for all, on the sacred grounds of Fenway, so the Red Sox can resume the business of winning baseball games.

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