191 replies to this topic

[Eddie Jurak]

I'd be shocked of JWH showed up and answered these questions here, but I think this was a terrific idea for a thread.  Whether he answers or not, he ought to know what the diehard fans think of all of this, and this thread ought to accomplish that much.

Well, color me shocked!

Thanks, JWH, for dropping in.

[sdfdranger]

With so many dollars chasing a limited amount of players who can materially help us, we have a significant challenge this year.  Theo and all of us see this year as a year in which our young players will be tested.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mr. Henry,
Although you mentioned later that: "Theo will not be the surprise GM" you still speak of him in the present tense. It still seems to me that he still IS the best candidate and a little mediation on your part might still work.

Dean Spanos of the Chargers still regretts not helping Bobby Ross and Bobby Beathard to mend their fences. It has taken the Chargers over 10 years to right their ship.


Gee, you would think the boys at SOSH would make Mr Henry a full member instead of a " new user" like they did to me!!!

[Alacoldart]

To steal a bit from Jon Stewart, "Huzzah and kudos to you," Mr. Henry.

You didn't owe us any explanation for anything, but you not only answered some very tough questions and provided insight to one of the most hotly-contested events of the 2005 season. Very well done, sir.

If you have a chance, whenever, I have but one question for you:

The departure of Theo has been address to the nth degree, but what hasn't been discussed is the organization's focus on the team structure in the future. Mr. Epstein rebuilt the farm system and signed several key members to long-term deals. The focus seemed to be on developing young talent to slide in when veteran talent became free agents along with a mix of veteran pitching and a solid back end of the bullpen. Will this continue? Will the team grow younger overall or will veterans become more valuable than promsing guys from the farm? Will Moneyball-style baseball continue to be the name of the game or will speed on the basepaths and risk-taking begin to play more of a factor in player scouting and acquisitions?

Thank you, whether you answer or not.

[The Last DiMaggio]

Thanks for the insight.


This answer in particular stuck out for me:

There were times in the recent negotiation when Theo was not sure he wanted to do this for the long-term – that was an issue. And there were times he felt we did not value him enough. There were times we felt he was ambivalent and we did not want a GM who did not crave the position.

[redsoxstiff]

For a board that prides itself for avoiding the' Gee isn't X a great player? He 's my hero' flotsam...There has been enough good and bad flowing from the FO to dispense with the fawning...

He opted into this arena...at least be neutral...

And there were times he felt we did not value him enough

This more telling than anything else...This was the screw up...the initial low balling...the foot dragging...my characterization of course...

I do not/did not see the need for the manner in which LL went about negotiating...If you were comfortable with the process you were comfortable with the result...I wasn't and I am not now...

To assert that things are back to 'normal' at Fenway...SNAFU is the term I used... was an egregious overstatement...but I have suspicions...

[mr_smith02]

I find it difficult to imagine George Steinbrenner sitting down, for as long as it must have taken JWH to respond to all those questions, to communicate with the fans. We may not agree with or like all of his answers, but we got to appreciate and respect his efforts.

Thanks JWH!

Oh yeah...that Beckett deal was pretty cool too!

[Marbleheader]

Just a public thanks to Mr. Henry for coming on, it shows a great deal about his passion for the team and respect for the fans.

[Sportsbstn]

Thanks Mr Henry, it is very nice to be able to get REAL information from the top, not the spin that constantly takes place in the media. Thanks for stopping by and giving credible answers.

[5belongstoGeorge]

For a board that prides itself for avoiding the' Gee isn't X a great player? He 's my hero' flotsam...There has been enough good and bad flowing from the FO to dispense with the fawning...

The "fawning" that has gone on here over Theo has been beyond Bambi-esque.

The guy voiced his opinions in a obviously articulate and discerning way. Give him credit for stepping up.

The fact is, all the people that hunched over their keyboards and wrung their hands while imagining the boogieman Lucky Larry was the other gunman on the Grassy Knoll while being a malovent puppetmaster and mind controlling JWH have to either come back to reality or make the ridiculous leap that Principal Owner is either a bafoon or disengenuous.

Nobody is perfect and JWH has says he would have handled the Theo thing differently. He also, plainly to me anyway, is moving ahead with a purpose. Thank God for that.

He opted into this arena...at least be neutral...

The guy has demonstrated he is a winner and he has demonstrated that he cares about us, the fans, in an unusually insightful way. Never mind neutrality. I have never been neutral in my life.

Now back to the important stuff... keeping Manny happy, acquiring Ace #3, getting B.J.Ryan's deal done, 1B, and CF.

edit:
JWH may as well have started a "Thank You Lucky Larry" thread with his answers. I believe it is time for people to rethink the contribution that LL has made to this team. Give that guy some credit too.

Edited by 5belongstoGeorge, 22 November 2005 - 09:33 AM.

[PaulinMyrBch]

That's just amazing. Time out to answer real questions in a format like this.

I feel much better now, especially regarding the payroll.

Let the hot stove season continue.

[DJnVa]

Any of the Boston papers have a story today about the owner staying up late to chat with his little internet friends?

[LoweTek]

Since my question was answered of course I must give proper thanks and appreciation to Mr. Henry as well. I think sometimes we let our passions run away from us. Frankly, reading this exchange has given my confidence a boost; that we have the best sports franchise in the world and the best sports town in the world right along with ownership equally, if not more passionate than us.

That's not a bad deal is it?

I feel better about the Red Sox today than I have since... well you know.

Thanks again Mr. Henry. Let's put it behind us and get on with improvement.

[Jim Gosger]

Mr. Henry,
I hear lots of lip service about "stewardship" and "public trust" but I wonder if you understand that this ballclub belongs to us in a real sense. You only get to own it and operate it if you are in fact worthy of being the owner of the Boston Red Sox. Having said that, letting Theo walk was, IMO, the biggest front office blunder this franchise has committed since selling Babe Ruth to the Yankees.

Moving forward, however, as I know you want to do, you can fix this blunder by hiring Peter Woodfork or Jed Hoyer or another of Theo's "minions." Bowdin, Beattie, and even Wilder won't do. They will get skewered in this town. We need a GM that understands and values statistical analysis. Why aren't you actively considering in house candidates?

Edited by Jim Gosger, 22 November 2005 - 08:53 AM.

[staz]

(exhale)

Thanks, John.

[yecul]

Is JH really confused as to why people don't like LL? Two reasons:

1) He's a politician. People don't like politicians.

2) He's the boss. People don't like their bosses. Especially when they disagree with them.

Also, if leaking information is bad, then leaking inaccurate information might just be worse.

[smastroyin]

Moving forward, however, as I know you want to do, you can fix this blunder by hiring Peter Woodfork or Jed Hoyer or another of Theo's "minions."  Bowdin, Beattie, and even Wilder won't do.  They will get skewered in this town.  We need a GM that understands and values statistical analysis.  Why aren't you actively considering in house candidates?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Didn't he already say that candidates are being interviewed under the radar? Isn't it at least somewhat possible that these guys are on that list?

Now, while everyone should understand that JWH is going to color a lot of his answers with his bias, I think a lot of the stuff here is generally revealing, and I hope that a lot of the people who were foaming at the mouth looking for blood over the past few weeks will at least take some time to reflect on their insane rantings.

[Mugsys Jock]

So I'm grateful that JWH took the time to reply to us. I found his answers utterly believable and rational and sincere, and primarily because of the sense of humor he showed I got the very distinct opinion that he's also a good guy. And that means a lot to me -- undoubtedly more than it should.

But...

One bit of double-standarding I think needs to be pointed out...

JWH stepped to the plate and took credit for being the one who stepped in front of the Bigbie deal, taking the heat off Theo, Byrnes, Lucchino, et als. That said, the fact of an owner overruling his baseball people and making a personnel call is something we're more accustomed to from a certain oligarch in the Bronx (or is it Tampa?)

Not that he didn't make the right call... but hard to keep our nose in the air pretending we have more integrity in our baseball operations than SiaS and his henchmen.

[Lose Remerswaal]

Any of the Boston papers have a story today about the owner staying up late to chat with his little internet friends?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, but Tony Mazzeroti said he won't be publicizing any of JWH's charitable endevours down the line.

[PedroKsBambino]

I'd imagine that by 11:25 pm, when I believe JWH made his first post, the newspapers (and late local news) were already pretty much put to bed for the night.

I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

[exGloucester]

Thanks Mr. Henry. Great chat.

Please keep Manny.

[Rudy Pemberton]

Wow! It's amazing, amazing...that John came in here and took some really tough questions. Personally, I had been killing him over the Theo negotiations but I'm more than willing to admit I was surely overreacting, but also that I never expected him to take this kind of heat. He didn't have to; but he did...and that's incredibly admirable and only makes me more confident in this ownership. It's easy to answer questions when things are going great; much harder when they aren't.

How many owners would go on to a fan site like this and answer questions from a bunch of whiny biatches like us, guys who had been killing him for a few weeks?

[Worst Trade Evah]

Has JohnWHenry found P&G yet?...

Anyway, thanks for the responses, which were smart, on target, and honest. Great job, and thanks for stopping by. Theo was pretty popular around here and we'll miss him, but life goes on, one way or another. I've always felt good about the ownership, though I do think something in the process/organization went awry.

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 22 November 2005 - 09:51 AM.

[PedroKsBambino]

One way to look at it was that while JWH/LL were certainly getting hit hard here, SoSH was about the only place around Boston where there was anyone suggesting there may be another side to Theo's departure, too.

That wasn't happening in the papers. Wasn't happening on talk radio. Wasn't happening on the sports TV shows. Wasn't happening much amongst the bloggers. It was happening in some of the national sports outlets, I guess, but that's a bit different.

[yecul]

I don't really see anything posted that changes my mind about Theo (and I guess Pedro). There were issues with value for both primarily because the Sox felt they could get away with the lesser offers. They're arrogant. Think they know the market and can tell the future. When other suitors suddenly appear and/or the other person gets fed up, they try to swoop in with damage control.

So, either they're bad at it, or are very good at making it look like that's their intention. With Theo I think they just dropped the ball. With Pedro I think they wanted him, but only under very specific guidelines.

[embecker]

One bit of double-standarding I think needs to be pointed out...

JWH stepped to the plate and took credit for being the one who stepped in front of the Bigbie deal, taking the heat off Theo, Byrnes, Lucchino, et als.  That said, the fact of an owner overruling his baseball people and making a personnel call is something we're more accustomed to from a certain oligarch in the Bronx (or is it Tampa?)

Not that he didn't make the right call... but hard to keep our nose in the air pretending we have more integrity in our baseball operations than SiaS and his henchmen.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think the point he was making is that he and everyone else in the FO raises questions about deals. It doesn't sound like he unilaterally killed it, but rather raised the question of why trade prospects when you can use cash instead. To me, this sounded nothing like the kind of thing going on within that other organization.

[Marbleheader]

I'd imagine that by 11:25 pm, when I believe JWH made his first post, the newspapers (and late local news) were already pretty much put to bed for the night.

I'm sure that's just a coincidence.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not sure if thisis tongue-in-cheek or not, but in all honesty, I believe it is a coincidence. I had seen that LJ posted a question (I had pretty much all but forgotten about the thread), and I started thinking that it may well be the case that JWH hadn't stopped in to even see the thread, so I figured 'what the hell' and I dropped him an e-mail late last night to let him know the thread was there, and see if he'd be willing to answer a couple of questions whenever he had a chance. The fact that he responded so quickly and was willing to do go above and beyond I think speaks volumes for what he thinks of the fans and this forum. Also, is terrific to see him join the fund raiser.

It's great that he seems willing to do this again sometime, Hopefully we can keep this thread alive, and would like to suggest that you post questions in bold so they're easier for him to find if he does check in again. Hopefully we can keep the questions thoughtful so it's not too cluttered or redundant. Also, to respect his wishes to put the Theo stuff in the past and move forward, I think he addressed our questions on the subject head-on already.

Some really great questions posed, and brought out some very interesting responses.

[Morassofnegativity]

Great thread...interesting stuff.

Edit: What did the team do to solve D Lowe's blister problems?

Edited by Morassofnegativity, 22 November 2005 - 10:25 AM.

[bornintoit]

Thanks for sharing JWH. Certainly helps put things in perspective for lots of us in RSN. Looking forward to another playoff season in 06!.....

[Jneen]

wow, am I glad I clicked on this today.

[irishkg]

...I dropped him an e-mail late last night to let him know the thread was there, and see if he'd be willing to answer a couple of questions whenever he had a chance.  The fact that he responded  so quickly and was willing to do go above and beyond ...
It's great that he seems willing to do this again sometime

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks - to you for issuing the invitation and to JWH for answering questions in his forthright and thoughtful manner.

An aside. In a world that often shows dispect for those in charge, most everyone here used the formal and respectful "Mr. Henry." I am not responsible for anyone here but that respect makes me proud to be a new member.

[Armogedman]

Great thread--thanks a million, JWH.

1) It DOES make one wonder what the Boston press is all about though, doesn't it? It's like we've been getting the wrong "inside" scoop from the mediots re: Sox management about so many things. Makes one wonder how off they were about what was really going on with the Duquette/Harrington years as well. We've been saying "don't believe what you read in the papers" for years but, gee, you REALLY can't believe what you read in the papers.

It's too damned bad that --seemingly--there are no journalistic standards being applied in the Boston sports media. A bunch of gossip columnists in disguise. I shouldn't be surprised, I guess, but I am.

[Steve Dillard]

Great thread--thanks a million, JWH.
It's too damned bad that --seemingly--there are no journalistic standards being applied in the Boston sports media.  A bunch of gossip columnists in disguise.  I shouldn't be surprised, I guess, but I am.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ah, what exactly did Mr. Henry show to be wrong? The Bigbe news was the only concerete fact he provided. The rest was nice to know that he cares, which is half of the battle, but it doesn't answer the fundamentals of the "he said, she said" debate. Example: he says there are leaks and they are hard to plug - but knowing the true info, he can make educated guesses about whether the leaks are from the LL camp or the Theo camp (even if you expand those to include the "advisors.")

I appreciate that he came here to respond, but this strikes me as the sort of "all or nothing" issue: either you provide all the facts, or you might as well not engage in the discussion, because it only adds meaningless statements.

[Gambler7]

Steve honestly I don't know how you read his answers and came to the fact they were "meaningless" statements. There is a ridiculous amount of information in those answers that NO media outlet ever had. It's a little far-fetched to expect a transcropt of all their conversations, and that seems like that is what you want.

[SoxZen]

I appreciate that he came here to respond, but this strikes me as the sort of "all or nothing" issue:  either you provide all the facts, or you might as well not engage in the discussion, because it only adds meaningless statements.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry, but I think that's a pretty silly standard to apply for whether or not we should have a conversation.

[Manny's Hammies]

I could be wrong, but it would also appear to be the first time management said that everyone involved agreed there were leaks on both sides during the negotiation process.

[PedroKsBambino]

I think that's correct as to management. Gordon Edes reported as much shortly after Theo left as well.

[hytem]

A message to John Henry,

This isn't about the GM issue--it's about the great trade the Red Sox have apparently just pulled off getting Beckett.

I know Beckett has blister problems. I hope he is aware of alum powder, which is used by rowing teams to convert blisters to callouses. I used to row, and know it's very effective. You rub it in your hands, and it really toughens them up.
It's available in drugstores. Gammons didn't mention it as one of the things Beckett
has tried, but trainers should know about it.
That's all. Good luck next year.

[berstch]

I'm on hold on WEEI to discuss the comments right now... should be on this segment (Travis in Gainesville)

[Marbleheader]

I'm on hold on WEEI to discuss the comments right now... should be on this segment (Travis in Gainesville)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Drop a message about the fundraiser if you get on!

[berstch]

Fundraiser was my next topic, but I got cut off because they had to go to commercial. Hadn't yet heard of the comments yet... Both asked why didn't JWH address this stuff before re: both Theo and the Colorado trade.

[Marbleheader]

Fundraiser was my next topic, but I got cut off because they had to go to commercial. Hadn't yet heard of the comments yet... Both asked why didn't JWH address this stuff before re: both Theo and the Colorado trade.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, if they're talking about why he didn't mention it in his interview with Ordway, it's because it was one of the most poorly conducted interviews I have ever heard. I think it was Ordway, Mazz and LJ, and they kept focusing on media relations issues, leaks etc., so much so that JWH politely asked if they could change the subject. I'd say they wasted more than half of the interview on 'how leaks happen' and 'who was responsible for media leaks' etc. It was irritating because it was at a time when we were craving information, and they did an awful job. In fact, it is what prompted me to start this thread in the first place. It also highlights why it is nice to have alternate forums other than radio and print media available to the public.

Edited by Marbleheader, 22 November 2005 - 12:11 PM.

[berstch]

They specifically brought up the Press Conference and Ordway interview... also complained about him saying something this noteworthy to such a small audience. Not sure how small the audience is because this thread has 50000 hits, but none the less, the media will continue to fail to acknowledge we make a difference.

[William Robertson]

Mr. Henry, in case you check in again, thanks for your answers. I'm impressed with your use of the language. Have a good Thanksgiving.

[LahoudOrBillyC]

I was planning to take the next several weeks off from SoSH. Oh, well.

One of the things I take out of this whole mess, which is something that has always bothered me about the media especially in Boston, is that members of the press should feel a personal responsibility not to get used by their sources. Everyone seems to agree that there were leaks, and everyone even acknowledges that there were false leaks.

At what point do these reporters say: "You know what, either I can use your name or I am not going to use your information at all."

One of the reasons everyone jumped on Lucchino is not just because everyone hates Lucchino, but also because people tend to believe certain reporters more than others. I gotta say though, Gammons takes a back seat to no one when it comes to spreading rumors from anonymous sources. If I am in baseball, and I want to throw someone under the bus, I am calling Peter.

Henry's take on the Bigbie deal is version #3, after Shaughnessy and Gammons both swore up and down that their versions (#1 and #2) were absolutely correct. Since Henry is the first guy to stand up to a story, I put his version in the lead, acknowledging that he has reasons to obfuscate as well.

[Marbleheader]

They specifically brought up the Press Conference and Ordway interview... also complained about him saying something this noteworthy to such a small audience. Not sure how small the audience is because this thread has 50000 hits, but none the less, the media will continue to fail to acknowledge we make a difference.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Why is this a small audience? The site is available to anyone who wishes to view it. It's not as if SoSH is an unknown entity in Red Sox/baseball circles.

Edited by Marbleheader, 22 November 2005 - 12:33 PM.

[Big D]

I'm on hold on WEEI to discuss the comments right now... should be on this segment (Travis in Gainesville)

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Out of interest, were they discussing this thread on 'EEI before you called? If not, why did you feel the need to bring it up to those idiots? People wonder why FO people and players don't want to post here. It is bad enough when writers find out, but we don't need to hop on the radio to hear our own voices and gloat about it. You HAD to know it would not produce any type of good discussion. I could have predicted what happened. It is what ALWAYS happens when a SoSHer calls up to discuss FO/players posting here.

[Marbleheader]

Out of interest, were they discussing this thread on 'EEI before you called?  If not, why did you feel the need to bring it up to those idiots?  People wonder why FO people and players don't want to post here.  It is bad enough when writers find out, but we don't need to hop on the radio to hear our own voices and gloat about it.  You HAD to know it would not produce any type of good discussion.  I could have predicted what happened.    It is what ALWAYS happens when a SoSHer calls up to discuss FO/players posting here.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

While I personally would not have bothered to call in, JWH knows that this is a public forum and that his comments will be seen by members and non-members alike. It's on Dirt Dogs, BSMW, and had previously been mentioned on WEEI, it's not as if it was supposed to be some super-secret chat. I think you're missing th boat in that regard.

[Ebbets2Fenway]

It's too damned bad that --seemingly--there are no journalistic standards being applied in the Boston sports media.  A bunch of gossip columnists in disguise.  I shouldn't be surprised, I guess, but I am.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would not tar Chris Snow with that brush...though I'm willing to see how he develops.

I'm also glad to have a Principal Owner as, um, principalled as JWH. The Red Sox are in good hands, and have been, with a lot more positive than negative. For us, and for Boston in general, that's a good thing.

[SpinnersRock]

Thank you Mr. Henry for your time in answering a few questions!

[Big D]

While I personally would not have bothered to call in, JWH knows that this is a public forum and that his comments will be seen by members and non-members alike.  It's on Dirt Dogs, BSMW, and had previously been mentioned on WEEI, it's not as if it was supposed to be some super-secret chat.  I think you're missing th boat in that regard.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I fully understand that this is not a super-secret chat, but bringing attention to only gives the mediots a platofrm to complain. I just think it is better to let them notice, file their complaint and let it die. By responding to them or bringing it up first will only make it a rallying cry like it has in the past. If they want to use the thread as a source fine, let them, but don't rub it in their faces. It is not constructive and I believe it will deter future postings.