Wasif's World

I think this serves as proof that Theo Epstein is a great general manager. "The Plan" that he implemented seven years ago when he was but a newborn field personnel organizer with nary a follicle of facial growth has worked to perfection.

His goal: to construct a team that could beat the Yankees. And he's done that. Why, if the league further unbalances the schedule (and given Bud Selig's history as commissioner, the desire to increase ratings, and payroll inequities throughout the league, I wouldn't rule it out), they might have the Yankees and Red Sox play each other 162 times a year. That would allow the Red Sox to, at this pace, go for the first undefeated season in baseball history, joining the Patriots as the only professional sports teams in the New England region with a perfect regular season.

What a story that would be! Of course, we "only" play the Yankees nineteen times in a year, so perhaps I should wait until, say, the twelfth game between the two teams to open my mouth. Not to mention the fact that I've just jinxed them and hence, the streak will end in game nine. Eh, [shrug] whadya gonna do?

But the team is constructed to beat the Yankees and we can also beat the Orioles (who technically were the Yankees first before moving to New York), and they don't seem to have any trouble against the Tigers. However, there is one glitch in "the plan." The Red Sox can't beat anyone else with any consistency. The Mets? Isn't the AL supposed to beat up on National League teams? Texas? I thought they only had football teams. Tampa Bay? Phew! Matt Garza is Cy Young against Boston, but the rest of the league uses him as batting practice. (An over-exaggeration, but necessary to make my point).

I don't doubt that given the chance, Theo could construct a new team that can defeat these powerful foes as he has the squad from the Bronx. That's why I propose that Major League Baseball should increase the number of players on the active roster to -- lessee, now what is 25 times 29? Hmmmm ... -- 725. That way, their field manager Tito Francona will have a team to field specifically versus every other team in the league.

Oh, sure the agents, player's association, league executives, teams, fans, merchandisers and TV networks might have a problem with my plan, but Theo Epstein and those thousands of players that might never make the majors otherwise would love it! (Though the added players may not get any playing time, they'll officially be major leaguers and thus allowed to brag to their family at the funerals of dear relatives.)

This would further separate the men from the boys in this league and solidify Theo Epstein's place as the Hannibal Smith of major league general managers throughout history (i.e. he loves it "when a plan comes together"). Remember, all the great general managers have one thing in common: they're all men. Even the bad ones, for that matter.