Theo Epstein: 'It's Painful' to Trade Away Top Prospects, But Worth It for Key Players Like Adrian Gonzalez

Theo Epstein: ‘It’s Painful’ to Trade Away Top Prospects, But Worth It for Key Players Like Adrian Gonzalez

by NESN Staff on Tue, Feb 1, 2011 at 1:27AM

Theo Epstein is at the forefront of the Red Sox organization when it comes to player development, and he understands the hazards that come with the job — like getting attached to up-and-coming prospects.

However difficult it may be to trade away those top prospects, Epstein realizes both ends of the player development spectrum.

“There are two reasons to draft players and to develop them in your system,” Epstein said. “It’s to have them graduate from our system and start playing games at Fenway Park and become a part of our young corps that we’ve developed … The other reason to use them is to fill out your roster with trades. We’re lucky that our scouts do such a great job.”

To hear more about the development of prospects, and to hear the panel’s opinion on instant replay and expanding the MLB playoffs, check out the video above.