Just one year after bringing the Red Sox their first World Series title since 1918, GM Theo Epstein is leaving the franchise. The move surprised the Red Sox and baseball insiders. The dispute was about money.
Epstein was offered $1.5 million per year for three years by the Red Sox, approximately quadruple his present salary. Still, the Red Sox had offered Athletics GM Billy Beane $2.5 million a year before they hired Epstein and Epstein wanted a salary closer to that of his former mentor.
'I gave my entire heart and soul to the organization,' Epstein said in a statement. 'During the process leading up to today's decision, I came to the conclusion that I can no longer do so. In the end, my choice is the right one not only for me but for the Red Sox.'
In addition to the dispute about money, there was also apparently a power struggle between Epstein, the youngest GM in major league history, and the man who brought him into baseball years ago, Red Sox president Larry Lucchino.
Lucchino brought Epstein to the Red Sox and made him GM at the age of 29. He also started Epstein's career in baseball by hiring him as an intern with the Baltimore Orioles. Lucchino later brought Epstein to the Padres organization and the Red Sox.
Red Sox ace Curt Schilling was not pleased with Epstein's departure although he said he was not shocked by it.
'You don't get better losing a guy like Theo,' Schilling told the Associated Press. 'It's obviously going to be an incredibly unpopular decision with the players. But we'll show up in spring training and get ready for the season and try to win another World Series. It's not like we're going to have a sit-down.'
Epstein grew up in Brookline, Massachusetts and was a Red Sox fan his entire life.
'Growing up in the shadow of Fenway Park, I never dreamed of having the chance to work for my hometown team during such an historic period,' Epstein said, as he thanked owners John Henry and Tom Werner and Lucchino for the opportunity to work for his home town team.
'My affection for the Red Sox did not begin four years ago when I started working here, and it does not end today,' he said. 'My passion for and dedication to the game of baseball remain strong. Although I have no immediate plans, I will embrace this change in my life and look forward with excitement to the future.'
Just one year after winning their first World Series title since Babe Ruth was their best starting pitcher, the Red Sox have lost the man who helped put them there. Boston better hope there's no 'Curse of the Epstino.'
