I have been accused by co-workers of being a "Theo apologist" and acting as though he walks on water. Let me assure you, I know that is not the case. With that said, he has done an incredible job as GM of the Sox ever since taking over and I'm not certain that he even comes close to getting the credit he deserves. Seems like the only time I hear anyone bring up Theo in conversation it's to criticize him. Why is he trying closer by committee? Why did he hire Terry Francona? Why did he trade Nomar? Why did he sign Renteria to that deal? Why did he let Pedro, D-Lowe, O.C., and Damon Why did he trade for Gagne? Why was he so in love with J.D. Drew and Julio Lugo? You get the idea. And obviously not all of these moves have worked out (Gagne, Lugo) but enough of them have that in his 5 full seasons as GM the Sox have made the playoffs 4 times, made it to the ALCS 3 times, won the World Series 2 times...and all the while he has helped turn one of the worst minor league systems in baseball into one that is currently ranked #2 behind only Tampa (and keep in mind the Rays have been drafting very high for very long, so they certainly should be good by now). Theo stated when he took over that his goal was to have a team that contends annually, and that he builds up the system to not only provide help to the big league club, but also to have as trade chips. He has certainly accomplished his goals. When he took over the Sox hadn't won a title in 84 years, and now they have two in four years. I'm not saying he deserves all the credit by any means, but he certainly deserves some of it. And since he is still just 34 he my be around for 30 more years....or he could be gone tomorrow. That's why it's alwyas nice to take a step back once in while and appreciate what we have while we have it. In this case what we have is one outstanding GM.
Posts
5 comments:
86 years.
Theo IS the man. I think a lot of people do know that, it is just when you hear about him is when things aren't going well. People don't sit around talking about the GM when things are going great, they are usually talking about the players he acquired for us, or just so damn psyched to be good.
It seems to be the opposite with the Celtics (esp. on this site). Maybe it is cause Ainge was a player.
Maybe because Ainge is The Man!
Most real sports fans do appreciate a good GM. I'd say it's the casual fan that really wouldnt look at the GM as playing a big role.
But i'd like to thank not only Theo but the current ownership on behalf not only myself but more importantly to those who lived a lifetime and never saw i what i've now seen twice (so far).
Ainge the GM being "the man" is yet to be determined. Theo is the man based on sustained success
I felt the need to write this for a few reasons.....
1. Ainge got a ton of credit (deservedly so) and it made me realize how little Theo seems to get by comparison.
2. My co-workers continually talk about how "overrated" Theo is.
3. As with managers, GM's have their negatives pointed out more than the positives, so I've been hearing a lot about Lugo this year.
I love what he has done with the big team AND the system. The Sox clearly have a chance to compete for the World Series for the next 10+ years. What more can we ask for? And you can say whatever you want about the pre-Theo Sox but they could not say that.
Theo is overrated! Dan Duquette layed the groundwork for much of the Red Sox success, but Theo is reaping the benefits and praise.
Take a look at the moves Epstein has made as well as those he attempted to make as Red Sox GM. If you segregate the good ones and the bad ones I'd bet there would be more bad ones.
To Theo's benefit he has an ownership group behind him that is committed to maintaining one of the highest payrolls in baseball so if Theo makes a bad decision they buy their way out of it.
Put Theo in charge of a smaller market team that doesn't have deep pockets and it would interesting how well he does.
I wonder what Lou Gorman in up to these days?
Post a Comment