The Return of the King?
The King is Dead?
(BDD Photo Illustration) |
Don't Rule Out Theo
Stranger Things Have Happened... Especially with This Team
Gammons: 'Lucchino Wants Epstein Back'
"Some in the ownership group hold out hope that Epstein can resolve his differences with Lucchino and return as the GM. Contrary to some reports, Lucchino has not rejected that idea, and wants Epstein back." -- 11.9, Peter Gammons, ESPN.com
Shaughnessy: Time to Kiss and Make Up
"It was Bill Parcells who reminded us that he reserved the right to change his mind. Billy Martin left and came back. Michael Jordan left and came back. Muhammad Ali and Frank Sinatra left and came back. Harry Sinden and Ray Bourque left the Bruins and came back. Bob Kraft left for Hartford and came back. Red Auerbach even thought about leaving the Celtics for the Knicks for a few hours before he came back to Boston for keeps. Now Red has his own statue in Faneuil Hall.
"Theo Epstein can come back. It's not too late. The Red Sox are looking for a general manager and he's clearly the best man for the job." -- 11.9, Dan Shaughnessy, Boston Globe
Return Rumors Abound...
"I'm gonna put this at 90 percent right now (that Theo returns)" -- 11.9, Tony Kornheiser on ESPN's PTI (His co-host Michael Wilbon had the chances of a Theo return at 100 percent)
"A very high-ranking official, very close friend and baseball insider, says with Theo, money was not the issue, there was a tantrum thrown... Theo absolutely returns (to the Red Sox)." -- 11.9, Rob Dibble, XM Radio's "The Show"
"...Reports continue to steadily trickle in at these general managers meetings that the Red Sox have not yet given up hope (however unlikely) that they can convince Epstein to change his mind.
"Multiple Red Sox personnel, several prominently placed in the organization, have quietly been trying to talk Epstein into rejoining the ballclub he left on Halloween when he rejected a three-year, $4.5 million offer. Retaining credibility for Epstein in case he changes his mind remains a significant hurdle to overcome, plus a multitude of organizational issues would have to be resolved." -- 11.9, Michael Silverman, Boston Herald
"The Theo-back-to-Boston rumors? Right now, it remains only wishful thinking, even if 99 percent of the Sox organization would take him back in a heartbeat. Nothing has been set in motion that would lead to Theo's return." -- 11.8, Gordon Edes, Boston.com Extra Bases blog
"The hotel lobby here at baseball's general managers' meetings buzzed with speculation that Theo Epstein would be returning to the Red Sox -- a rumor repeated by some team personnel but unsubstantiated by anyone in a position of authority on Yawkey Way." -- 11.8, Gordon Edes, Boston Globe
From the GM Meetings:
Sox-Yanks Could Wind Up Battling for B.J. Ryan
Indians' Antonetti Turns Down Sox' Interview Request
Finally, Some Frontrunners for Sox GM:
Toronto Grants Permission for Tony LaCava to Interview with Sox
The Braves' Dayton Moore Should Be a Candidate
Recapping Sox GM Candidates: Who's Still In? Who's Out?
Mr. Epstein Goes to Washington?
Are the Cardinals Stealing a Page from the Red Sox Marketing Book?
Lucchino Confirms Manny's Trade Request
One Team Inquires About Trade
"He (Manny Ramirez) has made it clear that he would like us to consider a trade... He has asked us before, and it's only reasonable that we explore possibilities, particularly at this time of year when all types of trades are considered and kicked around. So it seems respectful of him, and it seems our job is to consider these kinds of possibilities... I don't think it's appropriate to discuss individual clubs, but one club has made preliminary suggestions about discussions." -- Red Sox CEO Larry Lucchino, 11.9 New York Times
NY Post: Mets Talking About Manny