From rookies such as Dustin Pedroia, right, to his veteran players such as Alex Cora, far left, and Eric Hinske, rear, Sox manager Terry Francona has maintained a solid working relationship.

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The Providence Journal / Bob Thayer

DENVER — Red Sox manager Terry Francona said this year’s team has created very few problems for him — on or off the field.

“This has been a very easy team (to manage),” he said. “They’ve been very responsible. [In terms of character] our guys have been off the charts. You appreciate that.”

In presiding over a harmonious clubhouse, Francona credited some of the team’s reserve players — led by Alex Cora — for setting the proper tone.

“Guys who don’t play much,” Francona said, “you sort of hope they don’t bring people down. Our guys kind of bring people up.”

He added that the organization tries to do it homework on player’s personalities and character, to ensure that they don’t bring in potential malcontents who create problems when they don’t play.

“We’re not running a Cub Scout troop here,” he said. “You’ve got to have talent. But you’ve also got to be aware of what works and how things work.”

The feeling goes both ways. The job the manager has done this season hasn’t gone unnoticed within the confines of the clubhouse. From veteran Curt Schilling to rookies such as Dustin Pedroia and Jacoby Ellsbury, Francona’s leadership is greatly appreciated.

“He’s done a great job with a lot of guys,” said Pedroia. “The season always has its bumps in the road, and he’s played and understands that. A lot of guys on our team went through some tough times, but we’ve all picked each other up when guys were down. Tito does an unbelievable job managing personalities and keeping the atmosphere relaxed even when a guy is struggling. That really helps out.”

Manny being good

Francona praised Manny Ramirez — who leads the Sox in batting average, homers and RBI in the postseason — for sharpening his focus this month.

“I think it’s been phenomenal,” he said. “Even when we’ve been getting in very late (to other cities after travel days) he’s probably been the first one at the ballpark every time.”

Good move

Last year, the Red Sox made some tough decisions with their coaching staff, jettisoning popular coaches Dave Wallace (pitching) and Ron “Papa Jack” Jackson (hitting) in favor of John Farrell and Dave Magadan.

The fact that the new coaches contributed to a pennant-winning team, on the verge of winning a World Series title, speaks volumes about their immediate impact.

“Our staff’s done a great job,” said Francona. “From Day One, they’ve worked hard and been prepared.”

Captain for a reason

Catcher Jason Varitek has value far beyond his offensive statistics, though he did enter last night’s game leading the Sox in RBI (4) for the Series.

“He’s our captain. He not only runs our team, but he obviously runs the pitching staff,” said Francona. “He has a lot of responsibility. Sometimes you see him after games with those ice packs (generally covering both knees, his right shoulder and lower back). I think he ought to put one on his head, to, because you can tell he’s worn out.

“But on the flip side, when you’re shaking hands after a win, by his demeanor you would never know how many hits he had. If he catches a win, I think he feels like he’s done his job,” said Francona.

jmcdonal@projo.com