John Henry Invades Felger & Massarotti
Boston Red Sox principal owner John Henry came to the 98.5 The Sports Hub studios to clear the air about the recent moves made by the Red Sox organization.
Henry touched on a number of topics, including Terry Francona, Theo Epstein and the Red Sox clubhouse.
On Former-Manager Terry Francona
Henry went on the 98.5 The Sports Hub airwaves to clear the air on the "smear campaign" Red Sox ownership was being accused of starting against Francona.
"Blaming me personally for being the person who said those things… that's why I came here. You're misleading the public," Henry said of the accusations he and the rest of the Red Sox brass released information on Francona's marriage and possible addiction to pain medicine.
"It's reprehensible that was written about in the first place," said Henry. "If it's someone within the team, and that's what it says in the newspaper, I'm upset about it. And I've been upset about it."
John Henry On Terry Francona Saga
Henry Denies Red Sox Owners Involved In Globe Francona Story
On General Manager Theo Epstein
"As far as I know, he is still involved," said Henry said of Epstein's status with the Red Sox.
Theo is reportedly off to the Chicago Cubs to take over their general manager duties. Henry could not say much about the topic, but did say he wanted Theo to stay in Boston.
"I would love to have Theo back. I would have loved to have Theo as our general manager for the next 20 years. That would have been my hope. But you don't always get what you want," he said. "I did everything I could personally, so did Tom [Werner] and Larry [Lucchino], to make that happen."
Listen To Henry On Theo Epstein
Henry Would Love To Have Theo Back
On The Red Sox Clubhouse
Henry admitted he did not know about the drinking, fried chicken eating, and video games going on in the Red Sox clubhouse, but defended his players, saying none of them quit when September rolled around.
"I didn't see one player out there who wasn't busting his ass trying to win ball games," said Henry.
Henry blamed the horrific starting pitching the Sox got in September for their historic collapse, and said there are things the club is looking into when it comes to their players.
"Why is it we had players that gained weight over the year, don't they usually lose weight," Henry asked. "That's one of the things we're looking at. But I'm not going to air it all out in public."
Henry On Larry Lucchino
One interesting tidbit Henry gave out was that team president and CEO Larry Lucchino does not have a contract past this season.
Henry said he expects Lucchino to remain with the franchise for years to come, despite the fact Lucchino and ownership have not negotiated a contract extension yet.
"Tom (Werner) and I… have never run the Red Sox. We wouldn't need Larry, and Larry wouldn't be here if we ran the Red Sox. We have one of the best CEO's in sports," Henry said.
Henry On Lucchino Contract
Henry Never Had To Make A Choice Between Bringing Back Lucchino Or Epstein
Listen to the interview in it's entirety below:
Listen Part 1:
John Henry Invades Felger and Massarotti Part 1
Listen Part 2:
