I think number 1 on your list was the third base coach's fault, not Francona's.
I agree with the other two...I thought for sure they'd find a way to lose it even after being up big, but they came through. Boston made so many fundamental errors in the series...inability to bunt, move runners over, baserunning blunders, etc...they're lucky the Yankee hitters decided the series was over a few games early. But that's how it is every year, and a few plays end up making the difference in the series...it was finally Boston's turn, good for them...I hate the Yankees.