Archive for November 5th, 2008
Red Sox, Epstein Extend Relationship
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 | MLB, Sports | No Comments
The Boston Red Sox and General Manager Theo Epstein recently confirmed that Epstein’s tenure with the Red Sox was extended for a period of time. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. A year after the Red Sox won the 2004 World Series, Red Sox management and Epstein had a severe disagreement when negotiating a new contract and Epstein resigned from the position. The Red Sox did not fill the position and within 3 months, Epstein was back in the GM seat running the show.
Epstein became the youngest General Manager in MLB history when he took over the Red Sox GM job at the age of 28 in November 2002. Epstein’s main goal was to focus on scouting and player development in order to build from within. Having top young prospects enables a team to retain certain players to star on their own team and to trade other prospects in order to bring in top talent from other teams. Epstein and the Red Sox experienced immediate success, as the team won World Series titles in 2004 and 2007. The Red Sox have advanced to post-season play in all but 1 year during Epstein’s tenure. Current stars like Dustin Pedroia, Jonathan Papelbon, Jacoby Ellsbury and Justin Masterson are examples of how the system created by Epstein has shined during the last 6 years. The Red Sox were smart to lock Epstein up on a long-term deal. Epstein is one of the best GM’s in the game, and he will continue to groom a well-oiled machine to the delight of Red Sox fans all across the country.
Steelers Quarterback Roethlisberger Injured Again
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 | NFL, Sports | No Comments
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his right shoulder during a quarterback sneak late in the 1st half of Monday night’s win over the Washington Redskins. Roethlisberger did not return to the game and Steelers’ back-up quarterback Byron Leftwich led the team to the 23-6 victory. In relief, Leftwich completed 70% of his passes, threw for a touchdown pass, led another touchdown drive and did not turn the ball over.
It is unclear who will start this weekend when the Steelers host the 4-4 Indianapolis Colts on Sunday afternoon. Roethlisberger originally separated his right shoulder in the Steelers opening season win against the Houston Texans. He has started and played through each of the team’s games this season, but it has been affecting his ability to throw the ball downfield. The sneak play last weekend re-injured it to the point where he could not longer play effectively. Roethlisberger underwent an MRI on Tuesday, November 4th, but the results have not come in yet. Depending on the prognosis, the Steelers may have to turn to Leftwich for a repeat performance against the Colts. Leftwich has been taking reps with the 1st team until Roethlisberger can resume practicing.
MLB agents look ahead to tax increase
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 | MLB, Sports | No Comments
A few hours after Barack Obama won the election some MLB agents are already planing for the future. Obama has proposed increasing the top federal income tax rate from 35% to 39.6% and this has agents worried for their top clients. Any signing bonuses paid before Jan 1 would be taxed at the current rate and would not be subjected to any tax increase. Looks like agents are going to try and close as many deals as they can before Jan 1. I’m sure we will have more stories like this before the end of the year.
