Since information started trickling out in regards to the Red Sox seek for a brand new head of baseball operations, one of many extra intriguing names bandied about has been Craig Breslow.
The former Red Sox pitcher and present Chicago Cubs assistant basic supervisor and senior vp of pitching is reportedly amongst a handful of candidates recognized to have interviewed for the job, and on Wednesday night time Patrick Mooney of The Athletic reported Breslow is in superior discussions to hitch Boston’s entrance workplace.
Whether these discussions in the end bear fruit stays to be seen, and it’s not clear if Breslow would instantly ascend to the highest job or slot in because the No. 2 beneath a brand new president of baseball operations. Either means, the 43-year-old Breslow seems to have an actual shot.
That might sound stunning for some, particularly followers who really feel like Breslow was pitching out of the Red Sox bullpen simply yesterday, however the lefty has all the time been thought to be some of the clever folks within the sport. Once he made the soar to the entrance workplace ranks he shortly established himself as a rising star, and whether or not it’s in Boston, Chicago or someplace else it’s clear he has a vibrant future.
Rave critiques
Breslow pitched for 12 seasons within the massive leagues as a left-handed reliever between 2005-17, together with 5 with the Red Sox. His greatest season got here in 2013, when he was a key member of Boston’s World Series championship squad and posted a 1.81 ERA over 59.2 innings and 61 appearances.
Following his retirement, Breslow was recruited by Theo Epstein to hitch the Cubs entrance workplace, and since 2019 he’s turn into deeply concerned within the group’s efforts to overtake its pitching growth program. He was elevated to director of pitching and later to his present assistant GM position, and the place the Cubs beforehand struggled to develop homegrown arms Breslow’s efforts have produced a wave of gifted pitchers who’re already making an affect within the majors.
Look no additional than the strides made this yr by Cy Young contender Justin Steele and by 2021 first-round decide Jordan Wicks. For a corporation like Boston that has struggled to constantly develop high-end pitching expertise, Breslow’s monitor report has apparent enchantment.
Right place, proper time
One frequent chorus we’ve heard all through the search course of is that potential targets have declined to pursue the Red Sox job attributable to household issues.
In Breslow’s case, the household aspect may really work in Boston’s favor.
Originally from Connecticut, Breslow has deep ties to New England and nonetheless lives a brief drive from Fenway Park. The Yale graduate has typically labored remotely from his residence in Newton since becoming a member of the Cubs entrance workplace, so whereas many candidates have balked at uprooting their households to return to Boston, Breslow’s circumstances would make the position uniquely interesting.
Breslow additionally has familiarity with a lot of the entrance workplace relationship again to his taking part in days and presumably a very good understanding of how the group features. If Breslow is employed, that familiarity may assist him hit the bottom operating and implement the modifications he feels will assist the Red Sox unlock their potential.
Worth the danger?
The draw back to Breslow’s candidacy is even in comparison with many different not too long ago retired gamers who’ve efficiently transitioned to the entrance workplace world, he’s very inexperienced. Breslow isn’t the Cubs’ prime decision-maker and even their No. 2 man, and to date he’s thrived in a relatively slender position with fewer tasks associated to executing transactions, negotiating contracts and operating a baseball operations division as an entire.
That being stated, Breslow would inherit a well-established entrance workplace infrastructure, together with government vp of baseball operations Brian O’Halloran, and the trio of assistant GMs Eddie Romero, Raquel Ferreira and Michael Groopman to assist deal with all of these issues. Alternatively, the Red Sox may elevate Romero or rent one other outdoors candidate as president of baseball operations and set up Breslow as GM, which might nonetheless characterize a giant promotion from his present job in Chicago.
You additionally don’t should look onerous for proof somebody with Breslow’s background can thrive within the massive chair.
Texas Rangers basic supervisor Chris Young, additionally an Ivy League graduate and a not too long ago retired MLB pitcher, was solely 41 when he was employed in late 2020. Under his management, the Rangers have aggressively surrounded their homegrown core with high-end outdoors expertise, and now Texas is again within the ALCS for the primary time since 2011.
One space the place Young has excelled, and the place former Red Sox chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom typically drew criticism, is the power to maintain his finger on the heartbeat of the clubhouse. The previous couple summers Red Sox gamers typically expressed frustration over the staff’s relative inactivity on the commerce deadline, which can have contributed to the membership’s second half swoons.
Young, a former participant, understood that ready for the membership to get wholesome would ship the unsuitable message and swung a number of massive offers that helped maintain the Rangers afloat. Breslow additionally understands these clubhouse dynamics, and having already received a World Series title right here he may be higher geared up than most to navigate life as Boston’s baseball boss.
If nothing else, Breslow’s already performed sufficient to warrant critical consideration, now it is going to be fascinating to see if the Red Sox in the end hand him the ball.
Source: www.bostonherald.com