Breaking down the Theo Epstein era in Boston

There has been and will continue to be a lot of discussion on the legacy of Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox.  On one hand you can’t argue with the successes – two World Championships, 5 playoff appearances in 9 seasons and a division title.  On the flip side Epstein’s departute left a bad taste in some’s mouths with no playoff appearances in the past two seasons despite big money contracts being handed out to the likes of John Lackey and Carl Crawford.  Let’s take a look at a year by year breakdown of Theo’s 9 season ran as Red Sox General Manager

1. 2003

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Jason Shiell (waivers), Brandon Lyon (waivers), Ryan Rupe (waivers), Damian Jackson, Chad Fox, Ramiro Mendoza, Andy Abad, Mike Timlin, Bill Mueller, Earl Snyder (waivers), David Ortiz, Hector Almonte, Bronson Arroyo (waivers), Kevin Millar, Robert Person, Lou Collier
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Paxton Crawford, Steve Lomasney, Cliff Floyd, Ugueth Urbina, Carlos Baerga, Rickey Henderson, Tony Clark, Rey Sanchez, Dustin Hermanson, Brian Daubach
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Todd Walker from the Cincinnati Reds for Josh Thigpen and Tony Blanco, Acquired Jeremy Giambi from Philadelphia Phillies for Josh Hancock, Acquired Cesar Crespo from the San Diego Padres for Luis Cruz, Acquired Ryan Cameron from the Colorado Rockies for Javier Lopez
• Additions (in-season) – Rudy Seanez, Bruce Chen (waivers), Gabe Kapler, Todd Jones, David McCarty (waivers)
• Releases (in-season) – Rudy Seanez, Chad Fox
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Byung Hyun Kim from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Shea Hillenbrand, Acquired Mike Gonzalez and Scott Sauerback from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brandon Lyon and Anastascio Martinez, Acquired Scott Williamson from the Cincinnati Reds for Phil Dumatrait and Tyler Pelland, Acquired Jeff Suppan, Brandon Lyon and Anastascio Martinez for Freddy Sanchez and Mike Gonzalez
• First 10 draft picks – David Murphy, Matt Murton, Abe Alvarez, Mickey Hall, Beau Vaughan, Jonathan Papelbon, Brian Marshall, Jessie Corn, Jeremy West, Lee Curtis
• BEST SIGNING – David Ortiz, In an off-season of many quality signings Ortiz was clearly the best.  A staple in the lineup for 9 seasons, in which he became perhaps the greatest DH in MLB history.  Won two rings and was ALCS MVP in 2004.
• WORST SIGNING – Ramiro Mendoza, Was given a two year deal for big money to be the garbage time guy out of the bullpen (when he was healthy) for two years.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Todd Walker from Cincinatti for Josh Thigpen and Tony Blanco, Walker stabilized the #2 hole in the lineup for the Sox and also became a blueprint for the shrewd trades make for that last complimentary peice, which became an Epstein staple.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Mike Gonzalez and Scott Sauerback from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Brandon Lyon and Anastascio Martinez, This was just an odd happening, with Martinez and Lyon coming back a few weeks later along with Jeff Suppan.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Jonathan Papelbon, The most prolific closer in Red Sox history, the 5th selection of the day.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Abe Alvarez, Was thoroughly unimpressive in just a handful of starts in the bigs.

1. 2004

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Jeff Bailey, Adam Hyzdu, Bobby Jones, Mark Malaska (waivers), Lenny DiNardo (Rule 5), Pokey Reese, Keith Foulke, Brian Daubach, Terry Shumpert, Ellis Burks, Tony Womack, Frank Castillo, George Lombard, Joe Nelson
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Bruce Chen, Lou Collier, Ryan Rupe, Bob Howry, Todd Walker, Jeff Suppan, Andy Abad, Jeremy Giambi, Damian Jackson, Scott Sauerback,
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Curt Schilling from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, Jorge de la Rosa and Michael Goss, Acquired Mark Bellhorn from Colorado Rockies for cash, Acquired Matt Duff from St. Louis Cardinals for Tony Womack
• Additions (in-season) – Curtis Leskanic, Brandon Puffer, Pedro Astacio, Mike Myers (waivers)
• Releases (in-season) – Terry Shumpert
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Ricky Gutierrez from the Chicago Cubs for cash, Acquired Terry Adams from the Toronto Blue Jays for John Hattig, Acquired Dave Roberts from the Los Angeles Dodgers for Henri Stanley, Acquired Orlando Cabrera and Doug Mientciewicz in a 4 team trade, sent Nomar Garciaparra and Matt Murton to Chicago Cubs
• First 10 draft picks – Dustin Pedroia, Andrew Dobbies, Tommy Hottovy, Ryan Schroyer, Cla Meredith, Patrick Perry, Kyle Bono, Matt Van Der Bosch, Steven Pearce, Ryan Phillips
• BEST SIGNING – Keith Foulke, Was the hero of the post-season for the Red Sox in 2004, earned every penny of his contract in the ALCS alone.
• WORST SIGNING – Tony Womack, Traded before the beginning of the season and became a key utility man for the Yankees by the end.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Curt Schilling from the Arizona Diamondbacks for Casey Fossum, Brandon Lyon, Jorge de la Rosa and Michael Goff, When you get a future Hall-of-Famer for virtually nothing it’s always a plus.  Not to mention the two World Series wins he helped bring.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Terry Adams from the Toronto Blue Jays for John Hattig, Unoffensive but Adams wasn’t very good.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Dustin Pedroia, Seven seasons later he is the face of the franchise, Theo’s best draft pick ever.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Andrew Dobbies, Never heard of him.

1. 2005

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Billy Traber (waivers), Kris Wilson, Matt Mantei, Adam Stern (Rule 5), John Halama, David Wells, Edgar Renteria, Matt Clement, Wade Miller, Geremi Gonzalez, Roberto Petagine
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Cesar Crespo, Earl Snyder, Joe Nelson, Terry Adams, Pedro Astacio, Orlando Cabrera, Curtis Leskanic, Derek Lowe, David McCarty, Ramiro Mendoza, Mike Myers, Pokey Reese, Scott Williamson, Ellis Burks, Pedro Martinez, Ricky Gutierrez
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Jay Payton, Ramon Vazquez, and David Pauley from the San Diego Padres for Dave Roberts, Acquired Ian Bladergroen from the New York Mets for Doug Mientciewicz, Acquired Blaine Neal from the San Diego Padres for Adam Hyzdu, Acquired Mike Myers from the St. Louis Cardinals for Kevin Ool and Carlos de la Cruz, Acquired Chris Narveson and Charles Johnson from the Colorado Rockies for Byung-Hyun Kim
• Additions (in-season) – John Olerud, Luis Mendoza (waivers), Jose Cruz (waivers), Chad Harville (waivers)
• Releases (in-season) – Alan Embree, John Halama, Mark Bellhorn, Mike Remlinger
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Alex Cora from the Cleveland Indians for Ramon Vazquez, Acquired Chad Bradford from the Oakland Athletics for Jay Payton, Acquired Adam Hyzdu from the San Diego Padres for Scott Cassidy, Acquired Tony Graffanino from the Kansas City Royals for Chip Ambres and Juan Cedeno, Acquired Mike Relminger from the Chicago Cubs for Oliver Astacio
• First 10 draft picks – Jacoby Ellsbury, Craig Hansen, Clay Buchholz, Jed Lowrie, Michael Bowden, Jonathan Egen, Scott Blue, Reid Engel, Jeff Corsaletti, Yahmen Yema
• BEST SIGNING – John Olerud, Was tempted to go with David Wells but he is too much of a Yankee for my taste I suppose, Olerud really helped when Millar struggled with injuries and a decline in play.
• WORST SIGNING – Matt Clement, Most people would have Renteria in this slot but at least we traded him and he produced a bit for Atlanta whereas Clement spent the better part of three years on the disabled list as he collected every penny of his 3 year, 27 million dollar contract.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Alex Cora from the Cleveland Indians for Ramon Vazquez, A classic Epstein move.  He traded one player of similar on-field value for another but Cora brought so much more off the field, he was like an extra coach.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Ian Bladergroen from the New York Mets for Doug Mientciewicz, Again it’s like grasping for straws finding an Epstein trade you really don’t like.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Jacoby Ellsbury, You can go back and forth between him and Buchholz but he was a huge spark plug in the ’07 World Series run and Comeback Player of the Year in 2011.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Craig Hansen, Was too hyped and sent up too early.  Still he was used as a chip for Jason Bay and none of the other picks were really bad.

1. 2006

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Devern Hansack, J.T. Snow, Julian Tavarez, Willie Harris, Craig Breslow, Alex Gonzalez, Hee-Seop Choi (waivers), Rudy Seanez
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Chad Harville, Geremi Gonzalez, Kevin Millar, Bill Mueller, Johnny Damon, Tony Graffanino, Mike Myers, Matt Mantei, John Olerud, Mark Malaska, Chad Bradford, Wade Miller
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota from the Florida Marlins for Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado and Harvey Sanchez, Acquired Mark Loretta from the San Diego Padres for Doug Mirabelli, Acquired Andy Marte from the Atlanta Braves for Edgar Renteria, Acquired Coco Crisp, Josh Bard, and David Riske for Guillermo Mota, Andy Marte, and Kelly Shoppach, Acquired Wily Mo Pena from the Cincinatti Reds for Bronson Arroyo
• Additions (in-season) – Corky Miller, Kyle Snyder (waivers), Jason Johnson, Eric Hinske, Carlos Pena
• Releases (in-season) – J.T. Snow, Rudy Seanez, Jason Johnson
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Doug Mirabelli from the San Diego Padres for Josh Bard and Cla Meredith, Acquired Javier Lopez from the Chicago White Sox for David Riske, Acquired Bryan Corey from the Texas Rangers for Luis Mendoza, Acquired Javy Lopez from the Baltimore Orioles for Adam Stern, Acquired George Kottaras from the San Diego Padres for David Wells
• First 10 Draft Picks – Jason Place, Daniel Bard, Kris Johnson, Caleb Clay, Justin Masterson, Aaron Bates, Bryce Cox, Jon Still, Dustin Richardson, Zach Daeges
• BEST SIGNING – Julian Tavarez, Not many signings but Julian Tavarez was easily the best of the bunch, being the clutch 6th man in the rotation for two seasons.
• WORST SIGNING – J.T. Snow, Lasted just a few weeks before he was ushered off.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Guillermo Mota from the Florida Marlins for Hanley Ramirez, Anibal Sanchez, Jesus Delgado and Harvey Sanchez, Long before beer and fried chicken Beckett was the workhorse of the 2007 rotation and Lowell was 2007 World Series MVP.  The key piece in the deal, Hanley Ramirez, is acting more and more like Manny Ramirez.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Doug Mirabelli from the San Diego Padres for Josh Bard and Cla Meredith, Just embarassing from the hype of the trade and the police escort to the stadium, all for Tim Wakefield’s personal catcher who they just could have re-signed in the off-season.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Daniel Bard, Been a mostly consistent force for the back of the bullpen.  This was close with Masterson.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Jason Place, Just a colossal disappointment for a first round pick, neve rplayed an inning in the Majors for the Red Sox.

1. 2007

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Hideki Okajima, Julio Lugo, Joe McEwing, Daisuke Matsuzaka, J.C. Romero, Joel Pineiro, Kevin Cash, J.D. Drew
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Alex Gonzalez, Keith Foulke, Willie Harris, Gabe Kapler, Mark Loretta, Trot Nixon, Lenny DiNardo (waivers)
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Brendan Donnelly from Los Angeles Angels for Phil Seibel
• Additions (in-season) – Junior Spivey, Bobby Kielty, Royce Clayton
• Releases (in-season) – J.C. Romero
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers for David Murphy, Kason Gabbard, and Engel Beltre, Acquired Sean Danielson from the St. Louis Cardinals for Joel Pineiro, Acquired Chris Carter from the Washington Nationals for Wily Mo Pena
• First 10 Draft Picks – Nick Hagadone, Ryan Dent, Hunter Morris, Brock Huntzinger, Chris Province, Will Middlebrooks, Anthony Rizzo, David Mailman, Adam Mills
• BEST SIGNING – J.D Drew, Yup, it’s Drew.  He was consistent, if overpaid, for the first four years of his contract and had a collection of clutch hits in the post-season.
• WORST SIGNING – Julio Lugo, Not as bad as Renteria but there was no Matt Clement here so he’s the worst.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Chris Carter from the Washington Nationals for Wily Mo Pena, Pena was a mistake from the get-go, he didn’t fit the organizational philosophy, so in a quiet year for trades, his was the best.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Eric Gagne from the Texas Rangers for David Murphy, Kason Gabbard, and Engel Beltre, In a stellar resume of trades for Theo Epstein, this sticks out as a sore thumb as a stinker.  The only one that possibly comes close might be the Bedard deal of this year.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Anthony Rizzo, Didn’t get picked til the 6th round but became a key piece in the Adrian Gonzalez deal.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Ryan Dent, He hasn’t made a dent so far in the Red Sox farm system.

1. 2008

• Free agent signings (off-season) – Jonathan Van Every, Joe Thurston, Sean Casey, Bartolo Colon
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Matt Clement, Eric Hinske, Eric Gagne, Royce Clayton, Craig Breslow (waivers)
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for Miguel Socolovich and Willy Mota
• Additions (in-season) – Jason Lane, David Ross
• Releases (in-season) – Abe Alvarez, Julian Tavarez, Bobby Kielty
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Jason Bay from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-way trade sending Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Acquired Paul Byrd from the Cleveland Indians for Mickey Hall, Acquired Mark Kotsay from the Atlanta Braves for Luis Sumoza
• First 10 Draft Picks – Casey Kelly, Bryan Price, Derrik Gibson, Stephen Fife, Kyle Weiland, Peter Hissey, Ryan Westmoreland, Ryan Lavarnway, Tim Federowicz, Michael Lee
• BEST SIGNING – Sean Casey, Another year with little free agent activity, as they mostly set their roster in the year prior, but he was a good clubhouse guy that the current team could use.
• WORST SIGNING – Bartolo Colon, He was just out of shape and useless in 2008.  Hurt himself swinging while at-bat in a National League park and was useless for the duration.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Jason Bay from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-way trade sending Manny Ramirez to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Brandon Moss and Craig Hansen to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Manny had long worn out his welcome and as much as a headache he was, they got a good producer in Bay for the stretch run plus one more season.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired David Aardsma from the Chicago White Sox for Miguel Socolovich and Willy Mota, Again not much to choose from so we’ll give it to giving up two pieces for Aardsma.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Casey Kelly, A no-brainer pick and a big piece of the Adrian Gonzalez trade.
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Derrik Gibson, Has done nothing impressive thus far.

1. 2009

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Junichi Tazawa, Brad Penny, Nick Green, Rocco Baldelli, Takashi Saito, John Smoltz, Brad Wilkerson
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Alex Cora, David Ross, Sean Casey, Bartolo Colon, Curt Schilling, Jason Lane, Kevin Cash, Mike Timlin
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Ramon Ramirez from the Kansas City Royals for Coco Crisp, Acquired Fabian Williamson from the Seattle Mariners for David Aardsma
• Additions (in-season) – Kason Gabbard, Paul Byrd, Chris Woodward (waivers), Joey Gaithright
• Releases (in-season) – Jonathan Van Every, John Smoltz, Chris Duncan, Brad Penny
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Chris Duncan from the St. Louis Cardinals for Julio Lugo, Acquired Adam LaRoche from the Pittsburgh Pirates for Argenis Diaz and Hunter Strickland, Acquired Brian Anderson from the Chicago White Sox for Mark Kotsay, Acquired Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price, Acquired Casey Kotchman from the Atlanta Braves for Adam LaRoche, Acquired Alex Gonzalez from the Cincinatti Reds for Kris Negron, Acquired Billy Wagner from the New York Mets for Chris Carter and Eddie Lora
• First 10 Draft Picks – Reymond Fuentes, Alex Wilson, David Fuentes, Jeremy Hazelbaker, Seth Schwindenhammer, Brandon Kline, Madison Younginer, Shannon Wilkerson, Kendal Volz, Brandon Jacobs
• BEST SIGNING – Junichi Tazawa, There is nothing here really but at least Tazawa is still with the team and he at least still has some upside.
• WORST SIGNING – John Smoltz, A great guy with an amazing career but he had nothing left by time he donned a Sox uniform.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Victor Martinez from the Cleveland Indians for Justin Masterson, Nick Hagadone, and Bryan Price, Some big pieces given up but again Theo got a guy for more than just the stretch run.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Fabian Williamson from the Seattle Mariners for David Aardsma, Again nothing really to choose from so let’s use another deal involving Aardsma.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Too soon
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Too soon

1. 2010

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Darnell McDonald, Marco Scutaro, Scott Atchison, Mike Cameron, John Lackey, Adrian Beltre
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Takashi Saito, Rocco Baldelli, Jason Bay, Nick Green, Billy Wagner, Joey Gathright, Alex Gonzalez, Paul Byrd, Chris Woodward, George Kottaras (waivers)
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones, Acuired Boof Bonser from the Minnesota Twins for Chris Province, Acquired Bill Hall from the Seattle Mariners for Casey Kotchman
• Additions (in-season) – Ryan Shealy, Rich Hill, Matt Fox (waivers), Felipe Lopez
• Releases (in-season) – Boof Bonser, Kason Gabbard, Ryan Shealy, Jeremy Hermida
• Trades (in-season) – Acquired Eric Patterson from the Oakland Athletics for Fabian Williamson, Acquired Kevin Cash from the Houston Astros for Angel Sanchez, Acquired Jack Hannahan from the Seattle Mariners for cash, Acquired Jarrod Saltalamacchia from the Texas Rangers for Chris McGuiness, Roman Mendez, and Michael Thomas, Acquired Daniel Turpen from the San Fransisco Giants for Ramon Ramirez, Acquired Chris Balcon-Miller from the Colorado Rockies for Manny Delcarmen
• First 10 Draft Picks – Kolbren Vitek, Bryce Brentz, Anthony Ranaudo, Brandon Workman, Sean Coyle, Garin Cecchini, Henry Ramos, Kendrick Perkins (!), Chris Hernandez, Matthew Price
• BEST SIGNING – Adrian Beltre, Exactly the type of guy that you want on your team, he plays up to the situation he’s in.  If only.
• WORST SIGNING – John Lackey, What’s more to be said that hasn’t already been?
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Jarrod Saltalamacchia from the Texas Rangers for Chris McGuiness, Roman Mendez, and Michael Thomas, Theo did great to buy low on Salty with three low-level prospects.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Jeremy Hermida from the Florida Marlins for Jose Alvarez and Hunter Jones, Sure Hermida collided with Beltre but he hasn’t stuck with a team since.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Too soon
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Too soon

1. 2011

• Free agent additions (off-season) – Carl Crawford, Matt Albers, Randy Williams, Dan Wheeler, Bobby Jenks, Hector Luna, Alredo Aceves
• Free agent subtractions (off-season) – Jack Hannahan, Kevin Cash, Mike Lowell, Victor Martinez, Adrian Beltre, Bill Hall, Felipe Lopez, Ramon Ramirez
• Trades (off-season) – Acquired Andrew Miller from the Florida Marlins for Dustin Richardson, Acquired Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres for Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes, and Eric Patterson
• Additions (in-season) – Kevin Millwood, Trever Miller, Joey Gathright
• Releases (in-season) – Kevin Millwood
• Trades – (in-season) – Acquired Franklin Morales from the Colorado Rockies for cash, Acquired cash from the Florida Marlins for Mike Cameron, Acquired Mike Aviles from the Kansas City Royals for Yamaico Navarro and Kendal Volz, Acquired Erik Bedard and Josh Fields from the Seattle Mariners for Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Juan Rodriguez, and Chih-Hsien Chiang, Acquired Conor Jackson from the Oakland Athletics for Jason Rice
• First 10 Draft Picks – Matt Barnes, Blake Swihart, Henry Owens, Jackie Bradley, Williams Jerez, Jordan Weems, Noe Ramirez, Mookie Betts, Miguel Pena, Cody Kuhuk
• BEST SIGNING – Alfredo Aceves, Theo’s last value signing, he pounced on Aceves after the Yankees cut him.  What makes it all the more sweeter is that he is under control for 3 more seasons.
• WORST SIGNING – Bobby Jenks, Crawford gets a pass until next year and I’m not sure if Jenks ever gets healthy.
• BEST TRADE – Acquired Adrian Gonzalez from the San Diego Padres for Casey Kelly, Anthony Rizzo, Reymond Fuentes, and Eric Patterson, A huge price to pay but Gonzalez will be a stalwart for years.
• WORST TRADE – Acquired Erik Bedard and Josh Fields from the Seattle Mariners for Tim Federowicz, Stephen Fife, Juan Rodriguez, and Chih-Hsien Chiang, Too many pieces to give up for what could turn out to be a rental.
• BEST DRAFT PICK – Too soon
• WORST DRAFT PICK – Too soon

So to recap, Theo excelled with the buy low signings early in his career but when teams started to retain those guys he started to flex the team’s financial muscles, often to dubious results.  As far as trades go his record his stellar.  Only two real questionable decisions where he seemed to have overreached (Gagne and Bedard) but for the most part never gave anything up unless it was for real value and stayed away from giving up too much for rentals.

Twitter @ErikVenskus