He's BAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACK!

Theo Epstein, the "Once and Future King" of the Red Sox front office, is now officially back on board with the team in a full-time role to be determined. Bostonist doesn't care if he's part of the clubhouse cleaning crew; it’s good to have Theo Epstein, the man that built three straight playoff appearances and the 2004 World Series win, back in a full capacity helping the Red Sox become a better squad and getting the boys of summer ready for 2006.

Of course, the Boston print, television, and radio media are all over this story like a bad suit... even old friend Dan Shaughnessy is chiming in, seemingly still unhappy and wanting to make waves even in this time of bliss and excitement for the Olde Towne Team and its fans. "He repeatedly refused offers to return, but would not rule out coming back. He revealed himself to be every bit the cutthroat politician Lucchino is. He's been at best, immature and at worst, duplicitous." Now that's a little harsh, isn't it Mr. Shaughnessy? It seems that the Lucchino-press-machine is running on all cylinders again, with "Disco Dan" reporting with a wicked Lucchino slant once again. Does this guy enjoy riding fan favorites and running people out of town (ahem, Roger Clemens, Mo Vaughn, Nomar...)? Bostonist can understand a writer playing devil’s advocate to give an alternate view of the story, but hasn’t Danny Boy done enough damage? When does the contrarian shtick get old and redundant, Dan? The “make waves” angle is played out and it shows a lack of original thought. How about dropping it and moving on? Or maybe moving on altogether?

Buster Olney of ESPN.com makes a great statement, saying that the battle between the Sox and Epstein was a lot less complex than it looked, and "has been a good ol' fashioned power struggle between two extraordinary politicians, nothing more, nothing less." To Bostonist, it looks like a mighty fine game of poker was played here between Theo and Lucchino. Back in October, Lucchino and the Sox (and the wonderful article ripping Epstein from Donkey Dan) "pushed all their chips into the pot" by giving Theo a final offer, and Theo folded. But it looks like the Sox were bluffing all along, and have done whatever it takes to get Theo back. Good thing for Bostonians, but even better for the Sox brass, as Mr. Lucchino and Mr. Henry can save some cash by canceling that order for Art Modell’s bullet-proof glass owner’s box.

As traumatic as things were when Theo left, and as much of a faith-restored feeling as Bostonist has, there is still much to be addressed for the 2006 campaign. OK, so now that Theo is back, the front office is again in order. So…GET TO WORK. Shortstop, Centerfielder, fourth outfielder, for starters. Let's go! Pitchers and catchers report in less than a month. Glad to see you back Theo, in whatever capacity it might be.