Francona thinks highly of ‘rising star’ Falvey

DETROIT — One of the aspects of the Indians’ leadership structure that manager Terry Francona enjoys is the hands-on approach of the front office. The top members of Cleveland’s leadership do not shy away from stepping in the clubhouse, working directly with Francona, his coaches or the players.

Assistant general manager Derek Falvey has become an integral part of the Indians’ behind-the-scenes operations over the past few years, drawing the attention of other organizations. On Monday, multiple reports indicated that the Twins were on the verge of hiring him as their new president of baseball operations, through neither Minnesota nor Cleveland would confirm the development.

Francona did have one thing he could say, though.

“He’s kind of a rising star, in my opinion,” Francona said prior to Monday’s game against the Tigers. “I don’t think you’re going to talk to anybody around here who doesn’t think he is.”

Falvey, 32, has spent the past nine seasons with the Indians, who promoted him to the role of assistant GM in October. That transition came after former Indians president Mark Shapiro left for the Blue Jays’ president role, and took Ross Atkins, a longtime Cleveland front-office member, with him to …

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