MaineToday.com | Late Hits: A lesson learned

Over the course of the season, Ed Walsh will be scouring the Web to bring the latest news, polls, and commentary about the Boston Red Sox to these pages.

« Previous Entry | Following Entry »

Blog Index

November 01, 2005

A lesson learned

Don't believe everything you hear or read for that matter. That's just one of the lessons I learned this morning.

When I heard the news at 4:15 a.m. I had to first make sure that I was not still sleeping. Then I checked my calendar to make sure I didn't wake up on April 1.

I was awake and it's Nov. 1. Bummer.

It would appear that I jumped the gun Monday when announcing Theo Epstein's three-year contract. You see, according to the Boston Herald, none exists.

I thought the contract talks were a mere formality, a slam dunk. Yes, they were taking too long and rumors were flying, but I put them out of my mind. Epstein HAD to return.

And when the Boston Globe and Major League Baseball and ESPN hinted at a deal, I wanted to believe it. I had no reason not to.

I was complaining that three years wasn't enough, now I'll take one.

Epstein and his mentor Larry Lucchino must have had some sort of falling out.

What happened? A power struggle? Did ownership feel like they were being railroaded into a deal? Did Epstein feel he wasn't getting proper respect? Was Epstein being a whiny brat? Was ownership treating him like a child?

Did no one think about the ramifications on the 2006 season? Did no one think of Red Sox Nation?

As I said yesterday, Epstein is already a legend in Boston. He has to be one of the most respected GMs ever in this region, if not in baseball. How do you let the guy who brought you a title go? I truly don't get it.

This was already going to be a crucial offseason. With the winter meetings right around the corner and the Sox looking like Swiss cheese, now was not the time to let the young, talented Epstein go.

I'm absolutely scared to think that he will find his way in another team's front office making deals to screw Boston a year from now. He will be highly sought after for sure. Without him, the Sox will have a hard time mending their wounds.

Though I shouldn't be, I sit here in shock.

Reader comments: Who could fill Theo Epstein's shoes? What does this mean for the Red Sox?

Posted by Ed Walsh at 07:46 AM

E-mail this entry to a friend

Comments

Read Shaunessey in the Globe for more information. Needless to say, if this is it, if Theo is out, it is a dark, dark day for Red Sox Nation. Maybe he'll go to the Dodgers, which would not be as bad as, say, Baltimore. But the absence is the worst part. Ay, ay.

Posted by Hat akimbo
November 1, 2005 08:39 AM

I think the sox brass is struggling over what to do with Manny and the contract. My guess is Theo wants him to protect Oritz and as years pass his contract becomes more managable.
Manny is the best RBI machine in all of baseball...Lucchino loathes Manny and will not forget him asking out of key games , lack of hustle, and constant harping about wanting to be traded....When Lucchino killed Bigbie deal with Rockies that was the end for Theo, he has to be in charge of baseball business to succeed.
My guess is Theo ends up in San Diego..

Posted by Timmay
November 1, 2005 09:08 AM