The guy with the billion-dollar bank account always wins that one.
Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer are expected to be named co-general managers, possibly as early as this weekend. That wouldn't rule out Theo coming back as an adviser. But would Lucchino quit if Epstein is brought back against his wishes?
No one was saying much on the record yesterday.
In a series of e-mails with Henry, I put forth the theory that Epstein's status could drive a wedge between the owner and his CEO. Henry had no comment, other than to say, ''Theo is not a candidate at this time."
Note, Henry said at this time. Sounds like Bill Parcells telling us that he reserves the right to change his mind. Or Rick Pitino telling us that's how he felt at the time.
When asked the question about a rift at the top, Lucchino would only say, ''No comment. You're free to speculate as you see fit. Nice try."
I spoke with Epstein, who was home worrying that his dog might be lost in the snowstorm. He did not want to say anything about the situation. When it was offered that absence of a denial will certainly fuel speculation until the matter is resolved, Epstein again politely declined comment.
Team chairman Tom Werner did not return three phone messages. Very unusual. Something must be up.
So, we are left to speculate.
The idea of Epstein returning has been floating around since he resigned on Halloween. There was plenty of Theo buzz at the baseball meetings in Dallas this week. Some of Epstein's closest baseball peers are convinced that he's coming back to the Sox, and the maniacal Peter Gammons advanced the theory in a radio interview Thursday.
''We're not commenting on it," Lucchino said last night. ''We haven't commented on it in some time and we're not going to comment on it now."
Which keeps the story out there.
''That's what happens when you think 'no comment' is an appropriate response," said Lucchino. ''It allows people to speculate, I suppose. But so be it. I'm not going to comment on Theo Epstein's situation more than I already have and I'm not going to comment on other internal candidates."
