Quote semantics.

[SackAttack]

The most successful general manager in Red Sox history, Epstein left for personal reasons that reportedly stemmed from a breakdown in his relationship with Lucchino.

I read this quote, and I'm left to wonder about the four Red Sox championships between 1912 and 1918, including three in a four year span from 1915-1918.

So what's the deal here? Is the article calling him the most successful GM in Red Sox history because he won a title after 86 years, or is it simply that the Red Sox didn't employ a General Manager when they last won the World Series in 1918?

I don't know enough about Red Sox history to know if this is merely a matter of their previous success predating the position, or if it's a bit of semantic hair-splitting going on.

[MrBigglesworth]

I read this quote, and I'm left to wonder about the four Red Sox championships between 1912 and 1918, including three in a four year span from 1915-1918.
He traded away Babe Ruth for $125,000. That kind of puts you out of contention right there.

Seriously though, they didn't have general managers back then. The owners and maybe the managers made those kind of decisions.

[Ragone]

I believe the manager's had all the power back then..