Theo Epstein’s tenure

Well 2004 has come and gone with everyday that passes the emotional high of the World Series fades away. So here we begin the third year since our last championship and what has Theo Epstein done for us?

When the ’04 season ended Theo chose not to re-sign Pedro, Derek Lowe or fan favorite Orlando Cabrera. His thought process was bang on for Martinez who broke down and got injured as a Met. But as for Lowe the so called hero of the ’04 playoffs, so why was he let go? None the less they are both gone and their replacements were none other than David Wells and Matt Clement. Who are these guys? Wells seemed like an over the hill pitcher with a few semi good years left. Clement who never won more then 15 games in his short career, they were supposed to replace arguably one of the best pitchers in Sox history in Martinez and the unsung hero Derek Lowe. What was Theo Epstein thinking with these moves?

The drama did not end there however Orlando Cabrera the sharp fielding shortstop that replaced Boston icon Nomar Garciaparra and quickly won the hearts of Red Sox nation with his stellar defensive play in the playoffs, was also let go. His replacement was Edgar Renteria, right from the get go Renteria was frowned upon. Rarely did he ever come up with a big hit to compensate his 4 year / 40 million dollar contract.

So where did these three busts end up? Wells was shipped back to San Diego, Renteria traded to Atlanta where the Red Sox pick up a large portion of his contract and Clement has been injured for the better part of his tenure here. Good job Theo the 2005 season was a disaster.

With some changes being needed after the ’05 season Theo began the off-season with a trade that saw Marlins ace Josh Beckett come to the Red Sox along with Mike Lowell for a few of the top prospects in the Sox organization. One of the prospects, Hanley Ramirez had a breakout season eventually winning the Rookie of the Year award rather easily. The other prospect Anibal Sanchez came out of nowhere to throw a no hitter. As for Beckett he struggled to fit in giving up 36 homeruns with an ERA of over five. These are not numbers we want for a future number one pitcher when Curt Schilling leaves. Lowell however might have been the only success and the only reason he came over was because the Marlins wanted to get rid of his nine million dollar a year salary.

Theo’s fun did not end there for the ’06 season during spring training with the pitching staff looking deep he traded rubber armed Bronson Arroyo to the Reds for the up and coming Wily Mo Pena. Pena does have skill and strength, don’t get me wrong but the ultimate downfall of the Red Sox in 2006 was pitching. Their staff and bullpen were dropping like fly balls to Jose Canseco.

Once again Theo was not done there though. He chose not to re-sign fan favorite Johnny Damon and he in turn signed with the evil empire, where he would spearhead a dominant offensive lineup. Due to Damon’s departure Epstein was forced to trade the prospect he acquired in the Edgar Renteria trade, Andy Marte. He was sent to Cleveland for the speedy Coco Crisp. Apparently the expectations were too high for Coco, although great defensively his offence struggled and rarely lead off. He was even dropped to eighth in the lineup for the better half of the season.

The 2006 season ended with the Red Sox failing to reach the post-season and even finishing behind the Blue Jays for third in the East.

So this off-season Theo really got down to business overpaying for JD Drew at 15 million a season. When he could have stuck with fan favorite Trot Nixon for half of that. Letting the light hitting Dustin Pedroia be the starting second baseman and paying over 50 million just to negotiate with the next Hideki Irabu. So to a man who once dressed up in a gorilla outfit to escape the media, Theo’s tenure seems to be going downhill, with everyday that goes by the wonder boy who won a World Series early in his career seems to have his job hanging by a thread. All his high priced acquisitions better start performing soon or sorry Theo, you might be on the outside looking in.

Written By: Jordan Adams