Franchise Notes

Writer Calls Theo Epstein "Best GM In Baseball"

In Hartford, Paul Doyle wrote Red Sox GM Theo Epstein is the "best GM in baseball," and while he has won two World Series rings since assuming the role in '02, his "success goes beyond the titles." Epstein has "built contenders while rebuilding the minor league organization," and the Red Sox' farm system is "among the deepest in baseball, providing trade chips or options for the major league roster." Whatever direction the Red Sox head, Epstein "has the organization to contend for the foreseeable future" (HARTFORD COURANT, 11/18).

STEPPING OUT OF THE BOX: In Seattle, Jerry Brewer notes the Mariners today are expected to announce the hiring of A's bench coach Don Wakamatsu as manager, and following the Mariners' hiring last month of Jack Zduriencik as GM, the team has formed the "most unlikely brain trust in baseball." The two "represent a refreshing -- and dangerous -- new direction" for the Mariners, as the "conservative M's have turned into mavericks." For the Mariners, it was "time to do something this bold" and to "strip the ballclub down to its foundation and redo everything." Brewer: "If nothing else, the symbolism is striking. They're not the same old Mariners anymore" (SEATTLE TIMES, 11/19).

LION'S DEN: SI.com's Don Banks wrote Lions Owner William Clay Ford Sr. "appears content to let" Lions Exec VP & COO Tom Lewand "shape the early stages of the search" for a new team GM & President. There is "some buzz that Lewand would be most comfortable with either" new Lions GM Martin Mayhew, who was promoted to the role following the firing of former Lions President & CEO Matt Millen, or Eagles GM Tom Heckert, who has "old ties to Michigan and has known Lewand's family for years" (SI.com, 11/18).