CLEVELAND (92.3 The Fan) – There was no doubt that Sandy Alomar Jr. knew all along that he was going up against a super-heavyweight for the title of next Indians manager.

He knew all about Terry Francona’s resume, his rings, and his years managing with the Phillies and Red Sox. So when the Indians introduced Francona Monday as their new manager, it could not have been much of a shock to the former Indian.

Now though Alomar must determine what’s next for him? Does he accept a bench coaching job with Francona and the Tribe, or does he walk away and try to land another job elsewhere?

It appears that only a select few jobs will be open in terms of other manager spots in Major League Baseball. The Red Sox job remains open, and Alomar spoke to them last year. The Rockies job just opened up over the weekend as well, and he did play with them at one point.

Right now the six-time All-Star catcher still has a year left on his contract with the Indians, and Paul Hoynes of the Plain Dealer says Alomar expressed to him he expects to return to the Indians in 2013.

Alomar would do the right thing by coming back to the Indians to learn his eventual manager craft better under Francona. Also there’s no doubt that after the 2013 season there’s a shot that a lot more options may be out there for him in terms of becoming a manager.

Francona along with GM Chris Antonetti are in Arizona for organizational meetings, and getting his coaching staff set will be key. Here’s a vote that Alomar does the right thing, and he’s on it when 2013 starts.

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