By Maureen Mullen
CSNNE.comFollow @maureenamullen
BOSTONWith the Rays and Rangers preparing for the start of their ALDS in at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas, and the Tigers and Yankees getting ready for theirs at Yankee Stadium in New York, the scene outside Fenway Park on Friday was quite different.
Helicopters hovered overhead. TV trucks lined the narrow side streets. Media members gathered at several of Fenways entrances. Fans and tourists congregated.
Out-of-state tourists stopped to ask reporters what was going on. TV reporters asked fans for their thoughts.
But the question on everyone's mind appears to remain unanswered. Was Terry Francona out after eight seasons as manager of the Red Sox?
Francona arrived at the park shortly before the 10 a.m. meeting with general manager Theo Epstein and ownership that would apparently decide his fate. But when Francona left Fenway at around noon, there was still no official word on his future.
Francona drove away from Fenway in his black Escalade, followed by bench coach DeMarlo Hale, principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner, all in separate vehicles. None stopped to talk to the media.
Francona returned to Fenway in the afternoon, but has not talked publicly.
Boston Red Sox
But Epstein, whose own future with the team is also in question (his name has been in the mix for the Cubs vacant GM job), released a statement at 1:25 p.m.:
John Henry, Tom Werner, Larry Lucchino, assistant GM Ben Cherington and I met with Terry Francona this morning at Fenway Park to exchange thoughts and information on the 2011 season and discuss areas for improvement going forward. We all plan on taking some time to process the thoughts expressed in the meeting. There are no immediate plans for an announcement.
It appears no decision has been madeat least not one that is being made publicon Franconas future.
At least it was a beautiful day for hanging around outside Fenway Park.
Maureen Mullen is on Twitter at http:twitter.commaureenamullen