RED SOX GM THEO EPSTEIN RESIGNS

[mainepatsfan]

Just heard on WEEI that Channel 7 in Boston and New England Cable News is reporting that Red Sox GM Theo Epstein has resigned and is cleaning out his office.

[misterrob]

Vaughn fell apart in his later years which turned out to be a good move on Duquette's part but Roger was a bad one. Although, in fairness, Duquette kicked Roger's ass for showing up in camp fat and out of shape in 1995 which Roger could never seem to get over. Roger was also rather dishonest about his wanting to play closer to his family then turning around and signing up in Toronto when they were willing to pay the money he wanted. He then threw Toronto under the bus when the Yankees showed some interest.

Duquette left Mike Stanley a message on his answering machine telling him he was being released, he broke John Valentin's balls around his knee injury and choice of doctors, he signed Offerman for way too much money, signed Troy O'Leary for way too much money, took on guys like Dante Bichette, Mike Lansford, etc.

[Hemingway's Ghost]

Vaughn fell apart in his later years which turned out to be a good move on Duquette's part but Roger was a bad one.

Duke's mistake w/r/t Vaughn was allowing him to go without getting an adequate replacement for him: he was the one who told us Mo's production would be replaced with 0-4man's bat and speed.

[misterrob]

That was bad. Awfulman was a lead off guy, not a #4 or #4 guy like Vaughn was. Also, the Sox were planning to get Bernie Williams and almost had him until the Yankees ponied up more money.

[Night Hides Not]

Arrogant attitude of Duke & staff prevented Teixeira not to sign w/Red Sox.

Don't sweat it...Tom Hicks will not pay Teixeira enough to keep him in Texas, and Tex wants to play for a contending team. IIRC, Tex's contract is up in two years, and I think the Rangers will try and trade him to get something.

I think Texeira will be available this time next year in a trade.

Texas will not contend as long as Hicks is owner.

The bidding war will be between the Yankees and BoSox, and it will get ugly. I could see upwards of $20M per year for Teixeira: 45-50 homers, 120-140 RBI, and a great glove whether he's at 1B or 3B (his natural position).

[Hemingway's Ghost]

The bidding war will be between the Yankees and BoSox, and it will get ugly. I could see upwards of $20M per year for Teixeira: 45-50 homers, 120-140 RBI, and a great glove whether he's at 1B or 3B (his natural position).

A bold prediction . . . I think the heady days of $20M/year contracts are looooong over.

[NYCVirago]

He wanted out. Lucchino is a bum hole and I think he felt that the money wasn't worth the hassle. Theo also has made references to the fishbowl he lives in. In some ways the team created this mess with it's nonstop marketing and in other ways the Red Sox fans need to get a life. These guys are ball players, not gods, not heroes, just ball players and yet people just want to worship them. The press is allowed free access to the club house and they get no privacy. The media in Boston sucks and they will praise you one day then stick a knife in you the next.

While I think the "Theo can't take the fans" thing is a bit overblown, I do concede that it's tougher for Sox personnel to have a private life in Boston than even in NYC. (And the media is more vicious than in New York, IMHO.) Incidentally, did you see that Dan Shaughnessy's daughter had an internship with Tom Werner's production company? Pretty unethical, to say the least.

It sounds Theo's leaving is mostly due to Lucchino. I don't begrudge Epstein one bit for wanting more money. The Sox ownership offered Billy Beane the moon to come over, but they never offered Theo that kind of money, not even after he got them a ring. It's too bad the Yankees are stuck with Cashman, because I would have loved to see them make a run at Theo!

[NYCVirago]

Roger was also rather dishonest about his wanting to play closer to his family then turning around and signing up in Toronto when they were willing to pay the money he wanted. He then threw Toronto under the bus when the Yankees showed some interest.

This is one of the few things Yankee fans and Sox fans can agree on -- Clemens is not exactly a paragon of integrity and loyalty!

[raccoonradio]

According to Boston Sports Media Watch, the Curly Haired Boyfriend, Larry Lucchino's confidant (?), Mr. Dan "Curse of the" Shaughnessy will be on (right now!) with Mike Felger. (espnboston.com online streaming)

He has also been on the Fan in NY and Mike "A Yuk On Every Page" Barnicle
(WTKK) earlier as well as Kiss 108. Meanwhile BSMW's David Scott will be
on Newsnight (NECN 8:30) to talk about Theo-gate

[raccoonradio]

i.e. he's on today at 4 pm, "right now" on 890/1400

[raccoonradio]

Shaughnessy discounted the possibility that "another deal came up" (LA?)...he thinks Epstein may go into social work with his brother.

Q: Do you think it's bad that there's conflict of interest with the Globe/NY Times owning part of Sox?

A: No, after all the Chi. Tribune has owned Cubs for years
(i.e., 'so what's wrong with that'?)

Shaughnessy: "We were wrong" (in falsely reporting Theo
had a deal, yesterday)

Felger: "Maybe the Globe underestimated that Epstein had the resolve to walk away..."

[raccoonradio]

He was only on for about 10 minutes on ESPN 890. Felger:
"Thanks for being on, Dan and just remember it's all
your fault..." :)

[mainepatsfan]

The Sox desperately needed another bat to protect Nomar in the 1999 playoffs.

[mainepatsfan]

I wonder if he'd have come back if Pettite hadn't gone to Houston.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

actually I think Duquette did some great moves. Pavano for martinez. Slocumb for lowe and tek! That had to be one of the greatest moves of all time. If you look at the championship team the key players were Duquette moves other than schilling. But you are right he does not have a good front office temperament. I think what he did to Jimmy Williams was terrible.