Roche: A New Chapter In Red Sox History
BOSTON (CBS) - When the trio of John Henry, Tom Werner, and Larry Lucchino bought the Boston Red Sox in 2002 it signaled the beginning of a new era.
Dan Duquette, who brought a lot of talent to Boston, was let go and Theo Epstein was brought in. It marked a fresh start as Theo built teams that would finally win a World Series - two of them. Yes, there were rocky times (think Gorilla suit), but Henry put together a group that could put their egos aside and make wise business decisions. Everyone had a role and a voice. Fenway was on a 10-year renovation plan that was brilliantly spearheaded by Lucchino and Janet Marie Smith. The team on the field contended year in and year out.
Eventually it grew stale though and Theo left. Then a disastrous 2011 finish and an even worse 2012.
But, in stepped a man who had been a rock in the organization going back to the Dan Duquette regime. Ben Cherington rolled up his sleeves and got to work. He brought in good veteran players who knew how to play the game right. Napoli, Victorino, Peavy, Drew, Gomes, and it worked. The 2013 Boston Strong season will always be a special one.
But in August of 2015, some 13 years later, a new era was born.
John Henry decided a drastic change was needed - and available.
Gone are Larry Lucchino and Ben Cherington (and possibly John Farrell). Baseball operations will change.
This is a significant move especially with Lucchino leaving. Sam Kennedy is the new CEO. He will lead the business side.
I was warned that if Henry and Werner didn't hire a successor to Larry then there could be big problems - such as Henry and Werner making baseball personnel decisions.
So, in comes Dave Dombrowski.
He has a wealth of experience and is a solid baseball man. He will bring in a general manager and possibly a new manager and staff. He will have arguably the best farm system in baseball with a ton of young talent from Bogaerts to Betts to Swihart to E-Rod to Castillo, all the way down. He will have to fix the big league roster. But make no mistake about it, this is a great job to take.
I wish all the best to Ben Cherington - as fine a human being as I've ever met in the game. A true gentleman and a great baseball man. He will be back to work in no time. And that goes for his staff too.
I hope this works out for all parties involved.
I think Red Sox fans should be happy too.
A new era in Red Sox history has begun.
Follow WBZ-TV's Dan Roche on Twitter @RochieWBZ.
