redBut rest assured, thoughts of Theo raced through the minds of reporters long before that.
Epstein remains a hot topic, and the Red Sox did not dismiss the idea that their erstwhile general manager could figure back into the mix in a yet-to-be-determined capacity.
President of baseball operations? Senior consultant? Those are just a couple of possibilities.
"I have talked to Theo a couple of times since he made his decision," said Red Sox president/CEO Larry Lucchino. "I certainly have had extensive conversations with Theo in the past about him playing a role other than general manager."
And despite Epstein's somewhat stunning decision to leave his post as general manager on Oct. 31, Lucchino confirmed that the club would certainly be open to his return.
"I would say that the door's been really ajar for some time," said Lucchino. "Until Theo goes to work for another baseball organization, we'll keep a light on in the window for the possibility of him coming back and helping us in this new structure. It's premature to discuss exactly what role, if any, Theo would have. All we're saying is ... if there's a fit, we would like to see it happen.
"Yes, there have been discussions [with Epstein] since the day Theo declined our offer about him coming back and playing some kind of role going forward. We've talked to him about that, and certainly John [Henry] has and Tom [Werner] has."
One thing that is notable is the change in the way Lucchino is now fielding questions about Epstein. Remember, back on Nov. 10 it was Lucchino, apparently seeking closure, who issued a broad statement on the departure of the man he promoted into the general manager position three years earlier. In the weeks following that, any inquiry regarding Epstein would typically be fielded with two words -- no comment.
There was a much different tone to Lucchino on Monday, who suggested that the return of Epstein couldn't help but enhance the club's efforts to put a winning team on the field.
"I said a minute ago that our job is to put the strongest baseball team together, and that starts with a strong as possible front office and as strong a possible baseball operations department," Lucchino said. "Theo is an immensely talented guy who has proved himself over the last several years here. If he is comfortable and happy and feels he could be productive in this organization, in this structure, we would welcome it."
By promoting Hoyer and Cherington, two of Epstein's most trusted aides, into the position as co-general managers, it has brought increasing logic to the speculation that a return to the Red Sox would be favorable to Epstein, who is still living in the Boston area.
Both men are on record as saying they would have no opposition to Epstein coming back to the fold.
"I don't want to prognosticate, but yeah, I would welcome his return," said Hoyer. "Theo is great at what he does. I've used the analogy a couple of times today, we'd never turn down a superstar on the field, we'd try to find a way to make it work. And I'd say the same thing about the front office. The more great employees we can have, the better."
"It's a little too premature, but, again, as I said before, I have great, great respect for the guy," said Cherington. "He's helped me a lot in my career. I'd be excited at the opportunity to work with him again."
Lucchino chose not to speculate whether Epstein will come back, and, if so, how soon.
"I can't answer that, I can't predict the future in that regard," said Lucchino.
