When John Henry, Larry Lucchino, and Tom Werner sat down with Theo Epstein to discuss renewing the GM’s contract, they expected Theo might make some firm demands for money and more control. But when the discussion reached its apex, they found that they were mistaken. According to a Call of the Green Monster source, with a look of passionate determination and strength in his eyes, Theo slowly made eye contact with each man, and then said softly but firmly, “I want to play.”
Larry Lucchino spit out his drink and burst out laughing, while Henry and Werner rolled on the floor in convulsive laughter. An awkward moment then ensued when the trio looked up at Theo, who sat stoically with a tear rolling down his cheek, and came to the shocking realization that he was serious. “I played second base in Little League and was cut after one year,” he continued. “I never made it any higher than that. But , I’ve watched our team and every other team in the league, and I’ve closely studied every second baseman. I’ve taken infield practice, fielding groundballs right at Fenway. Fellas, think about it. For two years, we had Jose Offerman at second base, the worst defensive player in modern history; and look at the clown playing shortstop for us now? I can do it. We don’t need Alex Cora; I’m the perfect utility infielder.”
Larry Lucchino tried to be diplomatic in explaining the flaws in Theo’s thinking, while Henry nearly bit his lip bloody to stop his laughter. “For one thing, Theo, both of the men you mentioned can, to varying degrees, hit major league pitching,” Lucchino said emphatically. “Also, there’s that slight distinction between playing second base for the Cougars, or Cobras, or whatever Little League team you played for--and got cut by--and playing for the Boston Red Sox. And taking a few ground balls from Johnny Pesky doesn’t count, son.”
Later, sitting in his office well after midnight watching Rudy on DVD, Epstein maintained that while the demand won't be a deal breaker, he still plans to prove he can play.
"I hit one out of the infield when I took BP off Mike Remlinger a couple of months ago," he said steadfastly, "so I know I can hit." He sat silently for a moment and then pounded his fist on the table and called to one of his assistants. "Get Pesky over here right now—wake him up! I need to take more ground balls."
