Debate: Theo Epstein Was Smart To Walk Away From The Red Sox

[Chief Rum]

Well, the Notre Dame thread is still going good, but it's a new day and a new topic. I figured I would switch to baseball today. Enjoy. :)

[SirFozzie]

I hate to say it, but yes, it was smart. He's on top, reversing the curse, yadda yadda yadda.

Lucchino smacked down a trade with Colorado at the deadline, making him look stupid.

Then they lowball him, at 850K a year.

Finally, he gets the offer, and when they think that they have him underneath their wing.. they smear him in the house press (the globe).

Lucchino was hamstringing him.

[Vince]

I think this is a no-brainer as yes.

The only possible detriment that I can think of now is that he won't have as big a payroll as he does now.

The potential positives --


Doesn't have to deal with the headache of Manny Ramirez.

Doesn't have to deal with heightened expectations that come with Boston and the media.

Doesn't have to deal with Larry Lucchino anymore.

Will always be remembered in Boston fondly.

Will probably be able to name his price to any other interested team.


I really don't see any reason for him to stay, honestly. What else is there for him to do there, win more championships? With a few of those negatives (Lucchino and Manny especially), the risk is not as great as the reward. Right now he is at near-deity status in Boston. If he were to hang around, he could probably make some great things happen. The risk, however, of losing that cherished status (as great as winning a World Series has to be for Boston fans, I'm pretty sure the honeymoon would not last long if they didn't remain one of the best teams in the league) has to be considered rather large. I think it's the perfect, and maybe only, move for him to get out now, while the getting is good.