Shortly after news broke Tuesday night that the Red Sox general manager was reportedly likely to leave Boston for Chicago, the Twitter world was full of rumors, speculation and opinion.
Former Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, who was arguably Epstein's biggest acquisition in Boston, had plenty to say on the matter.
"I believe he IS leaving. Sox would be making huge mistake forcing him to stay if he wants out," Schilling, or gehrig38, tweeted. "Not sure what contract stipulates if move is NOT lateral. Thought they promised him they would allow move if promotion involved."
The former pitcher took things even further when he offered a prediction as to how the cards may fall for both the Red Sox and Cubs. He sees a reunion coming in Chicago with Epstein and ex-Sox manager Terry Francona.
"[Red Sox assistant general manager Ben] Cherington Sox new GM, Tito manages Cubs is my call," he said while also calling Cherington "a real smart baseball dude."
As for who would replace Francona in Boston, Schilling thinks Boston should stay within the organization for its next hire.
"Sox could stay up top [in my opinion] if they grabbed Demarlo Hale, MLB mgr in waiting."
Hall of Famer and NESN contributor Peter Gammons also weighed in on everything, and he provided a little bit of insight and analysis on the situation.
"Epstein "not done as [Billy] Beane was done in 2002,"' Gammons said in reference to Beane's decision to sign with the Red Sox to become the new GM before changing his mind a day later. "But…basic question:is the professional upside worth the potential personal downside."
Gammons also talked about any sort of compensation the Sox may receive for Epstein, who has a year left on his contract. Gammons also felt that Cherington was the man to take over for Epstein.
"No one knows Epstein compensation; Bret Jackson good fit," he said. "Everyone who knows Ben Cherington believes he is ready to be an outstanding leader."
