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 If the negotiations over Theo Epstein's departure is any indication of our post-Theo bargaining capacities... well, we're screwed. This was handled so badly, on so many levels, and now we've hit the jackpot of mediocrity- a mid-level prospect from a low-level farm system.
Backing up a bit- the Red Sox wanted so badly to look as if they were cleaning house after last September, that they let Theo get on a plane to Chicago with his contract negotiations still in limbo. I mean, Chicago wanted him bad. And we basically just threw him out the door saying, "Oh, I'm sure you'll do us a solid and compensate us, right?". Yeah, 'cause that's how the cut-throat business of baseball works. John Henry was quoted as saying they would receive a "substantial prospect" as part of the move, meanwhile Theo settled into his new job and Chicago dragged their feet... and dragged... and dragged some more.
Well, the big announcement came and oh my God we're getting Chris Carpenter! Um, no, not that Chris Carpenter (3x all star, Cy Young winner, 2x World Series winner of the Cardinals). No, this is the 11th ranked prospect from the Cubs. A right handed reliever, who last year pitched less than 10 innings and gave up 12 hits ands 7 walks.
Oh. So... yay? I guess there are plenty of folks out there who think this kid has potential (he can scratch the surface of 100mph) and just needs seasoning. Kinda like Jose Iglesias at shortstop, or Daniel Bard in the starting rotation, or Lavarnway behind the plate or Bailey as a Boston pressure-cooker closer?... I mean, how much seasoning did these guys pack in their Florida suitcases?
So yeah, thanks a lot Theo.
-Maggie Magner
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