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October 31, 2005

Theo Resigns

And so another chapter of the storied Boston Red Sox comes to a close as Theo Epstein leaves Boston after three glorious years as general manager. Theo's tenure was marked as the first time in Boston history the team reached the postseason in three consecutive seasons, not to mention the little matter of the team's World Series victory.

Unfortunately, it appears that Epstein had some personal issues with club president Larry Luccino, issues that apparently were bad enough to convince him to turn down a three year, $4.5 million contract. That is bad news for the Red Sox, and quite possibly for Epstein as well.

Let's recap the Theo era. Yes, Theo brought us a title, and I certainly will buy him a beer whenever he wants one for that triumph. The Sox came within one Grady Little meltdown of reaching the World Series in Theo's first year in Boston. His moves during the 2004 season were brilliant, from moving Nomar to the pickup of the sublime Dave Roberts. However, his encore in 2005 was far less impressive, with the Sox' weaknesses completely exposed by the White Sox in the ALDS. A good record? Absolutely. But mistakes were made as well, and Theo's reputation as a wunderkind was seriously undermined by the Sox' troubles this year.

In any case, Theo is now gone, and the Red Sox must move on. More than half the starting lineup will turn over in the offseason, and the Sox are desperate for some solid starting pitching and another good arm in the bullpen. Whoever replaces Epstein will have an uphill climb on his hands. I wish Theo the best in his future endeavors, but the Sox will go on without him, and the sooner, the better.