FORT MYERS, Fla. – Terry Francona is extremely comfortable in all his dealings with Boston Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein.

Never was that more evident than at 12:30 Tuesday afternoon when Francona received an unexpected visit from Epstein to formally offer the Red Sox manager a two-year contract extension.

“I was going to the bathroom,” Francona said, responding after Epstein asked aloud whether Francona had explained the dynamics of the situation.

“When your general manager can come in and hand it [the contract] to you on the toilet, you’ve got a pretty good relationship,” Francona said with a chuckle.

Francona’s ease at being able to explain that scenario, and his ability to handle the kinds of problems that crop up with a major-market major league team, should provide some insight into why the Red Sox want to keep him around through 2008.

Details of the new deal were not released but Francona reportedly will get a handsome raise.

In his position, Epstein has been forced to deal with the tremendous media scrutiny that occurs in Boston. He praised Francona for his ability to deal with such distractions amidst the day-to-day baseball duties.

“One of the things I like most about ‘Tito’ is, he’s consistent day in and day out,” Epstein said. “You can’t really tell if we won or lost the night before, you can’t tell if he’s had a bad day. He brings real positive energy and a desire to get better as an organization to the manager’s office.

“That’s an even greater compliment in Boston, because there are things that can drag you down. He doesn’t let that happen,” he added.

It was Francona who in 2004 guided the Red Sox to a World Series title, Boston’s first in 86 years. During his first two seasons, he has directed the Sox to 193 victories, more than any manager in franchise history in the same span.

Francona admitted he did everything in his power not to let news of his contract negotiations leak out to the media and create any distractions for the team.

“I didn’t ever want this to be the story of spring training, and it wasn’t, and I’m very pleased about that,” Francona said. “It’s a nice day for me and my family and the organization, hopefully, but other than that, that’s all it is. We’re going to move on and try to play as good baseball as we can.”

Francona, who managed the Philadelphia Phillies from 1997-2000, replaced Grady Little in December 2003. At the time, he signed a three-year contract worth $1.65 million, including a club option for 2007.

Red Sox veterans were thrilled to hear Francona was being rewarded for his considerable efforts since taking over the ball club.

“[I like] his personality and smile, the passion he has for the game,” said outfielder Trot Nixon. “He deserves a contract extension, a very nice contract extension, because I think he’s done the organization has asked of him.”

The players seem to respect not only Francona’s knowledge of the game, but his approach in dealing with the kinds of issues that crop up in the clubhouse.

“He’s a manager I think everybody enjoys around here,” said Tuesday starter Bronson Arroyo. “He’s laid-back enough. He knows when to put pressure on guys and when not to.”

Manny still laying low

Red Sox All-Star slugger Manny Ramirez continues to refuse all interview requests from the media this week as spring training continues.

The enigmatic Ramirez, who indicated during the offseason that he wished to be traded, has spent some of his clubhouse down time doing some reading at his locker.

Ramirez has replaced former Sox outfielder Johnny Damon as Boston’s hairiest player. He’s now sporting golden dreadlocks and a gnarly looking beard. The look appears to be working, as Manny is batting .455 (5-for-11) with four RBIs.

Roster moves continue

The Sox made one roster move Tuesday, sending righthanded pitcher Jamie Vermilyea to the Toronto Blue Jays under Major League Baseball’s “Rule 5” guidelines.

Vermilyea, chosen in the first round (10th overall) in the major league phase of the Rule 5 draft in December, worked two innings with Boston this spring.

The Red Sox now have 46 players in major league spring training camp, including 15 nonroster invitees.

Keep in mind five players are not here as they are competing for their respective countries in the World Baseball Classic.

That star-studded list includes designated hitter David Ortiz and pitcher Julian Tavarez of the Dominican Republic, starting catcher and team captain Jason Varitek and reliever Mike Timlin of the United States, and middle infielder Alex Cora (Puerto Rico).

Familiar Sox faces

As was the case Monday when the Los Angeles Dodgers came to town for a Grapefruit League game, Tuesday’s contest against Cincinnati brought a couple of former Boston players to City of Palms Park.

Former Sox catcher-first baseman Scott Hatteberg and first baseman Andy Abad played for the Reds in the contest.

Hatteberg, who played in Boston from 1995 to 2001, spent four seasons with Oakland before agreeing in February to a one-year contract with Cincinnati.

Abad appeared in nine games for the Red Sox in 2003, then spent the last two years in the Pittsburgh and Cleveland organizations before trying to hook on this spring with the Reds.

Turnstiles remain busy

For the second consecutive day Tuesday, the Red Sox established a single-game spring training attendance record at City of Palms Park.

Tuesday’s game against Cincinnati drew 8,147 fans, eclipsing Monday’s crowd of 8,067.

Love was in the air

City of Palms Park provided the perfect setting for romance during the middle of the fifth inning in Tuesday’s game against the Reds.

Under the guise of a scoreboard trivia contest, a young man named Matt proposed to his girlfriend, Jessica, in front of the Red Sox crowd.

“Jessica, there are two things I love, the Red Sox and you. Will you marry me?”

Matt quickly went to his knee and produced a ring, eliciting a “yes” answer and a big round of applause from the crowd.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN CLARKE RUSS

Jeff Bannon of the Cincinnati Reds looks back after being retired by first baseman J.T. Snow of the Boston Red Sox during their spring training game at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Fla., Tuesday. The Reds won 9-7.

BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO BY JOHN CLARKE RUSS

Bronson Arroyo of the Boston Red Sox delivers a pitch against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday. The Reds won 9-7.