Guardians manager Terry Francona on Matt Quatraro: ‘He’s the right guy’ for Royals

Royals manager Matt Quatraro spent four seasons as Cleveland’s assistant-hitting coach, and one spring day he earned a little money on the side.

Cleveland was playing a Cactus League game and manager Terry Francona had Quatraro coach third base. Francona then put forth a dare.

“It was a split-squad (game) in spring training,” Francona said Tuesday. “I told him I’d give him I think it was 500 or a thousand if he wore double-ear flap helmet, which he did. He looked like Gazoo from the Flintstones. It was good money spent.”

Francona laughed as he recalled that moment, and it showed the fondness he still has for Quatraro.

Although Quatraro and Royals pitching coach Brian Sweeney, who also had been on Cleveland’s staff, are now in Kansas City, Francona still considers both friends.

“We knew we were gonna lose both of them. We knew it,” Francona said. “The only reason Q was a hitting instructor for us was because we were trying to get him, because we liked him. We didn’t think that’s what his job was gonna be. We just liked the person and we knew we’d lose him, and Cashy took him.

“And Sweeney we knew he wouldn’t be here long. We’re proud of them. You know, I hope we beat them but also love them to death.”

Quatraro left Francona’s staff after the 2017 season when he was hired by Rays manager Kevin Cash.

The Royals plucked Quatraro from the Rays last year and he’s been tasked with guiding a rebuild. This season, the Royals are evaluating a bunch of young players who are being given more playing time as the team tries to identify a core it can build around.

It’s been a dreadful season as the Royals take a 22-58 record into Thursday’s game against Francona’s Guardians.

Despite the Royals’ troubles, Francona believes Quatraro can win in Kansas City.

“I think some guys probably do balance it better than others,” Francona said of the losing. “That’s kind of the worry when you take a job. When you interview, you tell yourself — I mean we’ve all been through it — I can make this better. I can help.

“Well, then you get to June and July and whoo boy. So, you’re managing different things. It’s like trying to keep a team going one direction. Because it gets hard. ... Q’s wanted to do this, so I think he’s the right guy. He’s gonna be patient, he’s gonna pay attention to details, he’s gonna do all the right things. Same with Sweeney.”