Theo's Contract is Up After the Season, You Worried? - Talksox

BoSox21 · 09-05-2008, 12:36 PM

It seems like just yesterday we all followed intently the events surrounding the negotiation of Theo Epstein's contract and the events that led to his abrupt departure and eventual return to the Red Sox. It's become common knowledge that the reason for all the drama was because of Epstein's relationship with Larry Lucchino and the difficulties he had working with him.

Well, that three-year deal expires after this season. According to an SI article last week, sources indicate the Sox will have no trouble keeping Epstein this time around and don't expect a repeat of three years ago due to the added power Epstein was given with the new deal.

But then again, no one expected the Sox to have any trouble keeping Epstein three years ago so the question is, how worried are you about Epstein remaining the GM of the Sox?

a700hitter · 09-05-2008, 12:45 PM

They don't need a repeat of the hissy fit/power struggle to wreck the off season. Before you go nuts over the use of "hissy fit", I like Theo. On balance he has done a fine job. He has the best job in baseball, which is also his dream job. He'd be a fool to leave it. The Red Sox will certainly compensate him fairly.

TheKilo · 09-05-2008, 02:08 PM

Mr Crunchy · 09-05-2008, 02:13 PM

hes also young and perhaps has an inflated value of himself that comes with ending 86 yr droughts and delivering 2 titles to the most fanatical baseball city this side of santo domingo.
he may indeed want more money and more of a role in a place that needs help.
hes also from brookline which is a stones throw from the park,hed be a fucking idiot if he moved on but who knows...
he isnt the only factor in winning gentlemen.
our talent evaluators have drafted incredibly well in all facets and at every position.
our 19 member ownership group has shown its commitment to winning by spending what it takes.
the club has also been incredibly lucky in these players development by somehow avoiding the injuries and criminal behavior that stunts growth.

and dont sell the fans short either
we have filled that dump up for 5 years running,sitting in seats built for 1912 asses,braving the elements in april and october and forking over our money to pay for the highest tickets in baseball.

theo dont pitch,hit or field
he does some good things and it appears he has some decent people skills.
so if he wants to move on to greener pastures i say all the power to him,this wont effect us in any way shape or form...
larry lucchino is the baseball guy who calls the shots behind the scenes.
in a nutshell....
keeping the scouting team intact ,spending the money to compete each year and staying healthy are more important to our success than theo epstein is.

YAZMAN · 09-05-2008, 02:17 PM

He will sign, and wear a gorilla suit to the press conference.

One Red Seat · 09-05-2008, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YAZMAN

He will sign, and wear a gorilla suit to the press conference.

That would be rich. I'd get a kick out of that.

I'm just finishing up Feeding the Monster, and one of the main characters the book portrays as a big contributor to the acrimony between LL and Theo is gone. That person being Charles Steinberg. By appearances, there isn't the same back and forth blame game leading up to the expiration of this contract like there was the last time. And, Henry knows he needs to take the pulse of the two with a more critical eye than he did last time. I'm confident this thing gets done. The wildcard will be if he wants to just play his guitar for a year, which could happen. It's not like the lack of privacy he complained about in the book has gone away, and with another championship in the books, the local fervor has only increased.

rician blast · 09-05-2008, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Crunchy

larry lucchino is the baseball guy who calls the shots behind the scenes.

Bingo.

One Red Seat · 09-05-2008, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Crunchy

hes also young and perhaps has an inflated value of himself that comes with ending 86 yr droughts and delivering 2 titles to the most fanatical baseball city this side of santo domingo.
he may indeed want more money and more of a role in a place that needs help.
hes also from brookline which is a stones throw from the park,hed be a fucking idiot if he moved on but who knows...
he isnt the only factor in winning gentlemen.
our talent evaluators have drafted incredibly well in all facets and at every position.
our 19 member ownership group has shown its commitment to winning by spending what it takes.
the club has also been incredibly lucky in these players development by somehow avoiding the injuries and criminal behavior that stunts growth.

and dont sell the fans short either
we have filled that dump up for 5 years running,sitting in seats built for 1912 asses,braving the elements in april and october and forking over our money to pay for the highest tickets in baseball.

theo dont pitch,hit or field
he does some good things and it appears he has some decent people skills.
so if he wants to move on to greener pastures i say all the power to him,this wont effect us in any way shape or form...
larry lucchino is the baseball guy who calls the shots behind the scenes.
in a nutshell....
keeping the scouting team intact ,spending the money to compete each year and staying healthy are more important to our success than theo epstein is.

You really ought to read Feeding the Monster. Not saying you are wrong in your assessment, but it will give you an idea of how in-sync Henry and Epstein are on the direction of this team. If he's in baseball next year, he'll be here.

BoSox21 · 09-05-2008, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by One Red Seat

You really ought to read Feeding the Monster.

that was a great book

One Red Seat · 09-05-2008, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rician blast

Bingo.

I don't know. Don't get me wrong, he's a big reason for the success they've experienced to date. I just have a hard time saying it's all him. I think he brings needed balance to Theo's penchant for shopping the MLB scrap head and hoarding his prospects. If it's all LL, you end up with the '97 all-star squad, like the Yankees. If it's all Theo, you end up with the Marlins. Perhaps this is a bit of hyperbole, but I think you get the point. I don't think either is particularly good exclusive of the other.

BoSox21 · 09-05-2008, 04:06 PM

the way I look at it, Epstein is part of an FO of a team that has been consistently good to great during their entire tenure here, including 2 championships. I think it's in the team's best interest to keep that unit together as long as possible

Coco's Disciples · 09-05-2008, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoSox21

the way I look at it, Epstein is part of an FO of a team that has been consistently good to great during their entire tenure here, including 2 championships. I think it's in the team's best interest to keep that unit together as long as possible

Correct me if I'm wrong, but in 05-06, wasn't it Theo's decision to leave? If so, you have to take that into account too.

BoSox21 · 09-05-2008, 04:18 PM

it was his decision but it highlighted a problem in the FO that was solved and from the looks of things, forgotten. call it whatever you want, whether it be a tantrum or political move but things appear to have been smoothed over between Theo and Larry

YAZMAN · 09-05-2008, 04:42 PM

Where's Carbo when you need him?

example1 · 09-05-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by One Red Seat

You really ought to read Feeding the Monster. Not saying you are wrong in your assessment, but it will give you an idea of how in-sync Henry and Epstein are on the direction of this team. If he's in baseball next year, he'll be here.

Very telling and informative book. No way Henry lets theo get away if he has any say.