In my family, we have had our differences. Most families do.
When I was younger I placed my folks in some awkward situations - I ran up phone bills, stayed out too late, even cracked up a car or two.

With my brother I argued over who was going to be the Red Sox or Angels, who would steal the cookies from the jar, and who was going to marry first.

These arguments were eventually resolved through a series of negotiations, concessions and apologies.

I imagine the Red Sox organization to be much like most families.

Sure they have their problems, but in the end they share some pretty common values. It's those values that tie the organization.

Rumor has it Boston's Favorite Son (Theo Epstein) wants to return. He has said some things that I'm sure Dad (John Henry) and his Eldest Brother (Larry Lucchino) didn't much appreciate. If he is interested in returning then everyone may have to swallow some pride and welcome the kid home.

Afterall, Epstein is the best person for the job. Besides, the Bostonist says no one else wants it.

The fact that some good baseball minds are not interested in the job, scares me. First Kevin Towers wasn't interested. Then J.P. Ricciardi, Brian Sabean didn't want to interview. Now according to the Boston Globe, Dayton Moore is opting to stay in Atlanta.

As the days pass Epstein's replacement comes with weaker and weaker credentials. The Boston Herald writes GM bungling leaves brass empty-handed. The delay in finding that replacement may also postpone deals that must be made in order to fill out the 40-man roster. The winter meetings are only days way.

What's wrong with this situation?

One would think people would be lining out the door for a chance to manage a club with a rather large payroll, deep minor league system and history.

Sure whoever takes the job will be walking into a tough situation (Manny's trade request, free-agents signings and a weak rotation). That's the job. And with the many question marks, the new GM would be putting his own stamp on the team. A situation I would welcome.

It is highly unlikely Epstein will return. How could the stakeholders save face?

As a fan, I don't care about who comes out smelling like a rose. I don't care who's fault it was/is. As a fan, I only care about putting a quality, competitive team on the field day in day out. And of course beating the Yankees.

That quality starts with Theo.

Speaking of the Yankees... Has anyone looked at their coaching staff? Wow, this is a who's who in baseball: Third base coach Larry Bowa, First base coach Tony Pena, Bench coach Lee Mazzilli, Bullpen coach Joe Kerrigan, Pitching coach Ron Guidry and of course the two mainstays hitting coach Don Mattingly and manager Joe Torre. Wow!

More on these guys later...

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