Boston Red Sox are in need of an ownership change
By Rick McNair
The Boston Red Sox have had remarkable success this century, but the ride appears over. Maybe new ownership – led by Theo Epstein – could rejuvenate the franchise?
The foundation of the Boston Red Sox for this century may have been constructed by Dan Duquette, but the house, remodeling, and additions were the work of Theo Epstein. The 2004 championship may have been a result of a statistical anomaly in the ALCS, but 2007 was not, nor was 2013, by which time Epstein had departed.
The internal strife during Epstein’s years with the Red Sox has been well mentioned. Just what type of power struggle existed is something that may surface when various memoirs are written. What is known is Epstein moved on and removed the second curse with the Chicago Cubs.
“A fish rots from the head down” is a phrase often used to describe the failings of any organization and that is starting to apply to the Red Sox. To quote a popular political term maybe it is time to “Drain the swamp.” John Henry should cash out at the table with billions in profit and turn the team over. Enter Epstein. Forget fantasy trades – now it is time for a plausible fantasy ownership change.
In baseball, often ownership groups are created since the cost of a franchise is often prohibitive for one person. This can have pain attached to it and look no further than the latest dismantling of the Marlins. You can also see many other teams faced with the fiscal consequences of being a small market with a boatload of free agents or free agents in waiting – think Royals.
Epstein’s group acquisition would incur significant debt and the most likely cost-cutting is payroll. That, of course, brings into question if Epstein can do his magic with less payroll punch? Both Boston and Chicago had an extensive budget and that also meant developmental money. That may have to be modified. Red Sox fans could be in for some pain with a change – all dependent upon fiscal punch.
The upside is obvious. Epstein is successful. Epstein’s associates dot the baseball landscape of other teams since – just maybe – that magic will rub off.? Reminds me of all the connections to Red Auerbach when he coached and later became senior management. Epstein is a proven winner.
The Red Sox need a change. Quite frankly the Dave Dombrowski years have created what many foresaw as the worst possible outcome – a depleted farm system, burdensome payroll and poorly constructed teams. The results predicted by the naysayers – I was not one – as correct.
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Dombrowski will stay if the current ownership stays. I cannot see them backing down on whatever plan has been created, but looking at our main competition in New York I would say their planning is showing far more concrete results.
The Red Sox ownership has had remarkable success. From a starting point where they could not afford Alex Rodriguez to now having an empire. The Boston Globe, NESN, real estate, NASCAR, Liverpool Football and probably some I have missed. Maybe that is the issue? Too much on the plate? They have remodeled Fenway Park, backed off pressure to build a new ballpark, created a positive culture in the community and have been the most give back ownership in baseball.
That said they are in a slump since Epstein left. Larry Lucchino is gone, Tom Werner seems missing and Henry is juggling multiple businesses, but good management delegates and brings in the necessary replacements. Yes – I know – a world title and playoffs, but something seems amiss as in three (count ‘em) last place finishes. So far, Ben Cherington and Dombrowski have not matched “Boy Wonder.”
Then comes the issue of just what type of investment the team will have. And that means the money. Will they still be able to run as a top-tier team or the Marlins of the north? In Theo we trust would have to be the mantra along with patience.
Next: Past mistakes make Dave Dombrowski cautious
With all the positives it is difficult to say that an ownership change – the most drastic of changes – is necessary, but the time is coming for a new era and one that should be led by Epstein. As the song “You’ll Be Back” says “Oceans rise, empires fall.” This empire is crumbling.