Strictly Business

Theo Epstein continues to be haunted by the colossal $106 million blunder known as the J. D. Drew and Julio Lugo signings. If this pair of disappointments doesn't make a dramatic turnaround down the stretch, the following scene could be playing out in the Red Sox offices following the season.

Theo Epstein sat in the darkened office, his tie loosely hanging around his neck, his hair disheveled. He picked up the black rotary phone and began dialing. Slowly, quietly, the door to the room creaked open.

Moving deliberately into the room was Larry Lucchino, face devoid of emotion half hidden in the shadows. He wore a dark, pinstriped suit with matching vest, white shirt and a gray and black striped tied. A gray bowler hat with a black headband sat atop his head. Three menacing assistants crept in behind him.

Epstein turned from the phone, looked up into the passionless face of Lucchino, concern quickly spreading across his features. Lucchino paused and stared down at Epstein.

"You have to answer for Drew and Lugo, Theo," Lucchino intoned dispassionately.

Theo stared back, a look of horror taking hold. He got up and approached Lucchino. "Larry, you got it all wrong."

"You fingered Drew in the Dice K deal and you've always had a man-crush on Lugo for no apparent reason," Lucchino said cutting him off and moving closer toward Theo. "Ahh, that little farce you played with Boras to delay the Drew signing to make it look like we were covered. You think that could fool a Lucchino?"

The two men stood toe to toe now, Lucchino looking up into the taller, younger Theo's face.

"Larry, I'm innocent" Theo responded plaintively as one of Lucchino's assistants moved behind him. "I swear on all the kids in the minor league system."

Lucchino smirked and nodded, unconvinced. "Sit down," Lucchino said, pointing back at the couch.

Theo quickly sat down. Lucchino moved to the desk and took the chair from behind it. He lifted it and placed it next to Theo, who hunched on the couch, sweaty hands resting on his knees. Lucchino sat down, leaned toward Theo and stared at him once more.

"I've sold Drew back to the Dodgers, I've traded Lugo and I've barred Boras from these offices," Lucchino said menacingly. Theo started to sob, bringing his hand up to his face in shock. "Today I settled all Red Sox family business, so don't tell me you're innocent, Theo. Admit what you did."

Theo began crying harder now, his hand covering his face. Lucchino nodded toward the bar and said to one of his assistants. "Get him a drink."

Lucchino shifted and put his arm around Theo. He patted him softly on the back. "C'mon," he said. "Don't be afraid, Theo. C'mon. You think I would break John Henry's heart? I've been with you a long time, Theo. I brought you here from San Diego. I got you started in this business."

The assistant handed Theo the small glass of wine. Sobbing uncontrollably now, Theo took it.

"Go ahead," said Lucchino. "Drink. Drink. "

He took Theo's arm with the glass and lifted it to Epstein's lips. Theo took a long sip and put the glass down.

"No, Theo, you're out of the major league business," Lucchino said to Epstein as he continued to stair at the floor. "That's your punishment. You're finished. I'm putting you on a plane to Lancaster, California. You're going to be running the single A JetHawks."

He reached back and took an envelope from one of his assistants and handed it to Theo who took it and stared at it.

"I want you to stay there. Understand?" Lucchino said. Theo nodded quietly. "Only don't tell me you're innocent," he said evenly. "Because it insults my intelligence. It makes me very angry."

"Now who approached you," Lucchino asked. "Bill James or Allard Baird?"

Theo continued to stare at the floor. Slowly he raised his head. He cast his eyes down again, unable to meet Lucchino's hard gaze. He looked nervously over his shoulder at the assistants. He then turned to Lucchino.

"It was Bill James," Theo said finally, nodding his head.

The two men stared at each other for a long moment.

"Good," Lucchino said finally, barely audible. He took the glass from Theo and placed it on the table. He stood up, picked up the chair. "There's a car waiting for you outside to take you to the airport," he said placing the chair back under the desk. "I'll call your staff and tell them what flight you're on." He then stood facing Theo.

Epstein stood and made a conciliatory move toward Lucchino. "Larry, I..."

"Get out of my sight," Lucchino shot back, stopping him in his tracks.

Theo turned and walked back toward the door. One of the assistants met him and helped him into his coat. Theo took one last look at Lucchino and turned to go.

Outside, another assistant was placing Theo's luggage into the trunk of a limo. Slamming the trunk shut, the assistant moved to the side of the car and opened the front passenger door for Theo. As the assistant watched Epstein get into the car, a knowing smirk came over his face.

As he settled into his seat, Theo heard a voice from the back of the car.

"Hello, Theo." It was the distinct voice of Dr. Charles Steinberg, Lucchino's right hand man.

Lucchino had moved out of the office into the driveway and watched as the scene played out.

Moving quickly, Steinberg lunged from the back seat, put his hands over Theo's head and violently presented him with a pink slip, terminating his employment.

Theo gagged at this unexpected attack. He grabbed his own throat and began screaming, choking on his emotions. As the limo pulled away, Theo reared back in his seat and began kicking. As he kicked and squirmed, the glass of the front windshield shattered as Theo's feet burst through it. Then he sat silently. All emotion gone.

Lucchino, observing this final act stood silently. When it was over he began to walk slowly down through the parking lot, silent except for the crunch of his shoes across the pavement. He then moved away from the building, his assistants trailing behind.

Somewhere in the distance, a baleful trumpet solo played out ominously.