Theo Epstein leaves Red Sox

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Link

 

Theo Epstein stunned the Red Sox and the baseball world this afternoon by walking away from his job as general manager.

   

Just hours before his deal was set to expire at midnight, Epstein told his bosses and associates at the Red Sox’ Yawkey Way offices that he had decided not to accept a three-year deal worth $1.5 million a year, an extension for the contract he signed on Nov. 25, 2002.

 

    Epstein had done some agonizing soul-searching the past few days, torn between staying at the job he had always coveted since his childhood days in Brookline and leaving because of intra-organizational politics and power struggles that he ultimately decided he could not live with any longer.

 

Money and length of the contract were not issues in the past few days for Epstein, who had lobbied hard for an annual salary of more than $1 million a year.

   

Epstein had come close to agreeing to a deal Saturday evening but had not officially conveyed acceptance of it. On Sunday, he began having serious misgivings about staying on. A leading contributing factor, according to sources close to the situation, was a column in Sunday’s Boston Globe in which too much inside information about the relationship between Epstein and his mentor, team president and CEO Larry Lucchino, was revealed -- in a manner slanted too much in Lucchino’s favor. Epstein, according to these sources, had several reasons to believe Lucchino was a primary source behind the column and came to the realization that if this information were leaked hours before Epstein was going to agree to a new long-term deal, it signaled excessive bad faith between him and Lucchino.

 

Epstein had not made up his mind about accepting the job before going to bed Sunday night, this despite a report in the Boston Globe, citing multiple major-league sources, that Epstein and the Red Sox had agreed to a contract extension.

   

The Globe’s parent company, the New York Times, holds a 17 percent ownership stake in the Red Sox.

 

A next step for Epstein, 31, remains unknown, although he has told associates that he may leave baseball and look for another line of work. The Dodgers, Phillies and Devil Rays currently have GM vacancies but it is believed that Epstein is likely to take a year off from baseball before considering a return.

 

Besides dealing with the likely public relations fallout from Epstein’s departure, the Red Sox will also have to replace him as well.

 

Veteran general managers Pat Gillick and Gerry Hunsicker have been interviewing for some of the current openings and will likely be at least considered for this one. Current San Diego general manager Kevin Towers recently interviewed for the vacant Arizona Diamondbacks GM vacancy, which has since been filled by Epstein’s former assistant, Josh Byrnes, late last week. Towers worked for Lucchino and with Epstein in San Diego before Lucchino became part of the ownership group of the Red Sox.

 

San Francisco general manager Brian Sabean, a graduate of Concord (N.H.) High School, has also been mentioned as a possibility.

 

nternally, the Red Sox will likely take a look at some of Epstein’s top assistants, including Peter Woodfork, director of baseball operations; Jed Hoyer, assistant to the GM; and Ben Cherington, director of player development.

 

Epstein was a leading force in assembling the Red Sox 2004 World Series championship squad. Two of his most notable acquisitions in his tenure was the trade for Curt Schilling three Novembers ago and the free agent signing of David Ortiz in 2003. He traded shortstop Nomar Garciaparra for Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientkiewicz in the midst of the 2004 season, plus he also signed free agent closer Keith Foulke before the championship season.

 

A year ago, Epstein was at the helm when the club could not come to terms with free agent Pedro Martinez and would not re-sign pitcher Derek Lowe. Instead, the club signed free agent starters David Wells and Matt Clement.

 

Some deals backfired for Epstein, including Ramiro Mendoza and Jeremy Giambi, but on the whole his winning percentage was rated quite highly around the game.

 

When he was hired on Nov. 25, 2002, Epstein was the youngest GM in history at 28 years, 11 months. Epstein is a graduate of Brookline High School, Yale University and the University of San Diego Law School.

[Annabelle 0]

the red sox are crumbling. and i love it. epstein was the mastermind behind their winning squad in 2004. now he's gone. the replacement gets to deal with all of the bullshit now.

[Failed Bridge 0]

its the fact that Larry Lucchino believes he's some sort of mastermind much like George Steinbrenner. Unlike Steinbrenner he uses the newspapers he has connections with to paint himself in a perfect light while making the other party look bad.

 

The new ownership turned Fenway into a prostitute basically, allowing anybody and everybody to rent it out on off days. The whole charging for an official Red Sox Nation card was lame too.

 

I think Theo was the only man in that higherarchy (sp?) to actually care about baseball and the Red Sox.

 

I expect all the fans to turn on Lucchino as well and possibly the new ownership on a whole. If John Henry cares at all for this team then he buys out Lucchino.

[Damaramu 0]

God dammit. The sports world hates me.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Yeah, this was tough for you.

[The Czech Republic 0]

the red sox are crumbling.  and i love it.  epstein was the mastermind behind their winning squad in 2004.  now he's gone.  the replacement gets to deal with all of the bullshit now.

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I could've sworn the Red Sox were one of the 15 teams Banky liked

[Sass 0]

I could see Frank McCourt and the Dodgers overpaying for Theo's services.

[The Czech Republic 0]

Why? They just fired an Ivy League stat geek. Is McCourt THAT dumb/Bostonian as to hire Epstein?

[The Czech Republic 0]

Before the 574 New England-based members of TSM call for my head, I meant would the Mass native McCourt hire another Mass guy just because of that. I didn't mean dumb and Bostonian were synonyms.

[therealworldschampion 0]

Ahem, Dave Montgomery.........SIGN HIM NOW!!!!

[Failed Bridge 0]

Theo is an intelligent stat geek though. During his tenure he turned what was once a barron and shitty farm system into one of the best in the majors (top 5 I would say. Angels have the best IMO). Not to mention he assembled a team that went to the playoffs 3 straight times and won the World Series once.

 

With Theo leaving I have a terrible feeling that alot of the young talent within the system will be traded away for aging quick fix type players.

[Cartman 0]

No Dan Douquette is not coming back to Boston.

 

Please don't be foolish.

[Sass 0]

Theo is an intelligent stat geek though. During his tenure he turned what was once a barron and shitty farm system into one of the best in the majors (top 5 I would say. Angels have the best IMO). Not to mention he assembled a team that went to the playoffs 3 straight times and won the World Series once.

 

With Theo leaving I have a terrible feeling that alot of the young talent within the system will be traded away for aging quick fix type players.

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That distinction, by many scout reports, would belong to the Dodgers.

 

I'm hoping the Dodgers will sign Pat Gillick as GM but I can see Frank McCourt going out and over paying for someone like Theo while missing the boat on the Paul Konerko FA sweepstakes or anyone other FA who's a slugger, which is something the Dodgers need, badly.

[iliketurtles 0]

This is fucking unbelivable. Wow.

[KingPK 0]

So is management trying to make people forget that they won a world championship last year? Is John Harrington back and no-one told us?

 

Though it is nice to see that Dan Shaughnessey is still a curly haired douchebag (he wrote that story mentioned in the article).

[Annabelle 0]

the red sox are crumbling.  and i love it.  epstein was the mastermind behind their winning squad in 2004.  now he's gone.  the replacement gets to deal with all of the bullshit now.

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I could've sworn the Red Sox were one of the 15 teams Banky liked

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you're an idiot

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Theo is an intelligent stat geek though. During his tenure he turned what was once a barron and shitty farm system into one of the best in the majors (top 5 I would say. Angels have the best IMO). Not to mention he assembled a team that went to the playoffs 3 straight times and won the World Series once.

 

With Theo leaving I have a terrible feeling that alot of the young talent within the system will be traded away for aging quick fix type players.

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That distinction, by many scout reports, would belong to the Dodgers.

 

I'm hoping the Dodgers will sign Pat Gillick as GM but I can see Frank McCourt going out and over paying for someone like Theo while missing the boat on the Paul Konerko FA sweepstakes or anyone other FA who's a slugger, which is something the Dodgers need, badly.

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The Dodgers and Angels are both top 5. Minnesota's probably up there, along with Atlanta. I'm not sure just now who rounds out the field.

[Mik 0]

Well, considering this is a year old - here is how the Top 100 prospects shake out by team...

 

BY ORGANIZATION

7 Dodgers

6 Angels, Braves

5 Athletics, Brewers, Indians, White Sox

4 Cubs, Devil Rays, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, Twins

3 Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Giants, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Reds

2 Astros, Marlins, Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Tigers

1 Cardinals, Nationals, Padres, Yankees

[devo 0]

Wrong thread, disregard.

[Sass 0]

Well, considering this is a year old - here is how the Top 100 prospects shake out by team...

 

BY ORGANIZATION

7 Dodgers

6 Angels, Braves

5 Athletics, Brewers, Indians, White Sox

4 Cubs, Devil Rays, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, Twins

3 Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Giants, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Reds

2 Astros, Marlins, Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Tigers

1 Cardinals, Nationals, Padres, Yankees

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The two in bold shock me the most since I just didn't think they had good farm systems, for whatever fucktard reasons. With that said, I think the Indians will probably end up winning the World Series, like *soon*, in the next two to three seasons tops.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Well, considering this is a year old - here is how the Top 100 prospects shake out by team...

 

BY ORGANIZATION

7 Dodgers

6 Angels, Braves

5 Athletics, Brewers, Indians, White Sox

4 Cubs, Devil Rays, Mariners, Rangers, Rockies, Twins

3 Blue Jays, Diamondbacks, Giants, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Reds

2 Astros, Marlins, Orioles, Pirates, Royals, Tigers

1 Cardinals, Nationals, Padres, Yankees

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The two in bold shock me the most since I just didn't think they had good farm systems, for whatever fucktard reasons. With that said, I think the Indians will probably end up winning the World Series, like *soon*, in the next two to three seasons tops.

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Milwaukee included Prince Fielder, J.J. Hardy and Rickie Weeks. They've developed practically an entire infield in one shot. The White Sox had Tadahito Iguchi count as a prospect.

 

Looking at the list, six of the Dodgers' seven prospects are still eligible. The Angels saw Casey Kotchman and Dallas McPherson lose prospect eligibility, but Brandon Wood hit 51 doubles and 43 homers in class A. The Dodgers probably have the depth advantage, but it is very close overall. The Indians' five prospects are still eligible.

[LivingLegendGaryColeman 0]

as a Sox fan, I am beginning to worry it is returning to the days where Troy O'Leary was the star of the team. Even with the rumors of everyone leaving, I was still feeling somewhat comfortable if Theo was around... now... I don't know what baseball is going to be like for me.

[Matt Young 0]

Theo is an intelligent stat geek though. During his tenure he turned what was once a barron and shitty farm system into one of the best in the majors (top 5 I would say. Angels have the best IMO). Not to mention he assembled a team that went to the playoffs 3 straight times and won the World Series once.

 

With Theo leaving I have a terrible feeling that alot of the young talent within the system will be traded away for aging quick fix type players.

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Freudian slip?

[the max 0]

as a Sox fan, I am beginning to worry it is returning to the days where Troy O'Leary was the star of the team.  Even with the rumors of everyone leaving, I was still feeling somewhat comfortable if Theo was around... now... I don't know what baseball is going to be like for me.

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They're not going to replace him with a deaf mute. There will still be talent there, it just might effect the way that the team does business.

[nl5xsk1 0]

Theo's biggest accomplishment was rebuilding the farm system. Yes, I fully recognize that he GMed the WS winning team, but I really think that was due more to his mentality (D & Pitching wins WS, not power hitters that can't field). It shouldn't be difficult to find another GM that follows that mind-set to replace Theo. Finding another GM that can do such a good job with the minor league teams will prove more difficult.

 

And I'm interesting in seeing how much of a winner Theo is when he doesn't have a $100m payroll to play with.

 

Though it is nice to see that Dan Shaughnessey is still a curly haired douchebag (he wrote that story mentioned in the article).

Quoted just to re-emphasize how accurate this statement is.

[Failed Bridge 0]

Theo is an intelligent stat geek though. During his tenure he turned what was once a barron and shitty farm system into one of the best in the majors (top 5 I would say. Angels have the best IMO). Not to mention he assembled a team that went to the playoffs 3 straight times and won the World Series once.

 

With Theo leaving I have a terrible feeling that alot of the young talent within the system will be traded away for aging quick fix type players.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

 

Freudian slip?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you should know by now that I just can't spell things well.

 

supposedly the Red Sox will be asking Toronto for permission to speak with Worcester native J.P. Richardi. I'd be fine with him coming in.

[Vyce 0]

Goddamn. Luccino must be one of the biggest dicks in the entire sports world for Epstein to not only walk away from Boston, but also consider walking away from baseball ENTIRELY.

 

I don't even like the Red Sox, but I feel bad for Boston fans today. They just got fucked over big by one of their own (and I'm not talking about Epstein).

[treble 0]

The Sox already tried to get Riccardi a few years ago (after his first year in Toronto, when they ended up hiring Epstein). I really doubt they'd let him go now.

[EVIL~! alkeiper 0]

Theo's biggest accomplishment was rebuilding the farm system. Yes, I fully recognize that he GMed the WS winning team, but I really think that was due more to his mentality (D & Pitching wins WS, not power hitters that can't field). It shouldn't be difficult to find another GM that follows that mind-set to replace Theo. Finding another GM that can do such a good job with the minor league teams will prove more difficult.

 

Remind me again which team played Manny Ramirez in left field and played David Ortiz at first base in St. Louis?

 

It's not hard to see where Theo went right here. The Sox plucked a platoon DH off the free agent market for cheap, and so far Ortiz has responded by batting .297 with 119 home runs and 388 RBIs over three seasons. The effect of that famous midseason 2004 trade can be debated and given how things turned out, it certainly helped. But it is clear where Theo's big move came from.

[Cartman 0]

Sadly when, yes when, the Sox trade Ramirez this offseason and get considerably lower value in return Ortiz will go back to being Minnesota Ortiz. Still good, but a shell of his former self od the last 3 seasons.

 

Also, I think another factor of Theo jumping ship is the fact that the Sox are heading for a downward turn in dramatic fashion. Next season they have no CF, No LF, no 1B, mediocre SP, terrible RP, no 3B, rookie 2B, etc...

 

Sure there's some talent in the minors but 2006 looks very very gloomy here in Boston. Theo did the smart thing and will sit out for a year and wait for 10 teams to bid on his services. He will make more than 1.5 Mil over 3 years, book it.