Epstein returns as he left: as Bosox GM

By wire services
Published January 25, 2006

BOSTON - Theo Epstein's new job is the same as his old one: general manager of the Red Sox.

The Red Sox announced Tuesday that Epstein would resume his old duties, nothing more and nothing less than when he left on Halloween.

"While Theo was contemplating returning to the organization in an advisory role," Red Sox president Larry Lucchino said in a statement, "he and I talked and agreed it was best for the organization if he returned as general manager, a title more appropriate for him because it accurately reflects the role he will play.

"Theo returns as general manager to an organization that is different from the one he left on Oct. 31. The 14-year relationship between Theo and me, and the passage of time over the last three months, have helped to put behind us the friction that developed during last year's negotiations."

Once the youngest general manager in baseball history and still the only one to win a World Series in Boston, Epstein walked away from his dream job on Halloween after a never-explained internal squabble convinced him he could no longer put his whole heart into the job.

Even after leaving, Epstein remained in touch with his former colleagues.

CRISP DEAL OFF? Epstein's job may have gotten a little harder, and an opportunity may have opened for the Devil Rays.

According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Red Sox reliever Guillermo Mota failed a physical in Cleveland, which reportedly was the last step in consummating a three-team trade that would have sent Indians outfielder Coco Crisp, reliever David Riske and backup catcher Josh Bard to Boston in exchange for top third-base prospect Andy Marte, Mota and catcher Kelly Shoppach.

Cleveland would have sent left-handed reliever Arthur Rhodes to the Phillies for outfielder Jason Michaels, who would have taken Crisp's place.

The Rays covet Marte and reportedly have discussed a deal involving shortstop Julio Lugo.

BAGWELL TO REPORT: First baseman Jeff Bagwell is planning to show up at spring training despite the Astros' contention that he's too hurt to play.

"He believes he's going to be ready for the start of the season," Bagwell's agent, Barry Axelrod, said. "That's what we're counting on."

Bagwell, 37, had surgery on his arthritic right throwing shoulder in June. Doctors who examined the four-time All-Star told the Astros this month that the shoulder still was damaged and that they could not expect Bagwell to be productive this season.

The Astros said Monday they intend to file an insurance claim to recoup $15.6-million of the $17-million they owe Bagwell this season.

ORIOLES: Outfielder Jay Gibbons agreed to a $21.1-million, four-year contract.

YANKEES: Right-hander Aaron Small agreed to a $1.2-million, one-year deal, avoiding arbitration.

[Last modified January 25, 2006, 00:56:11]