Every morning, we compile the links of the day and dump them here... highlighting the big storyline. Because there's nothing quite as satisfying as a good morning dump.
After an offseason of upheaval, in which the Red Sox were forced to go out and hire a new manager and a new general manager, they at least have the knowledge there will be continuity at the top for the forseeable future.
President and CEO Larry Lucchino is close to agreement on a contract extension that will keep him around at the head of the Red Sox organization for several years to come.
The Boston Globe was the first to report the story.
Lucchino, who recently observed his 10th anniversary with the club, will likely have a bigger role in baseball operations, at least for the near future, since Ben Cherington is a first-year executive. That means Lucchino's presence and power may be expanded somewhat as Cherington grows into the job and Lucchino does some supervising.
CSNNE:Lucchino close to extension
This picture is exactly how I think Larry conducts all his work in his office. It's like Rip Hamilton and his face mask, sure he doesn't need to wear it but he plays better when he wears it. If John Henry is Dr. Evil then Larry is No. 2, with one hell of a mustache as well!
Lucchino re-signing isn't surprising at all. He just won the power struggle over Theo and watched him go to to the Cubs and he just got his BFF ideal manager in Bobby V. To top it all off, John Henry has given him the keys while Henry has Liverpool to worry about. Lucchino has control of the Red Sox, why even think about leaving?
We all piss and moan about the ridiculous ticket and concession prices and their ability to nickel and dime everything they can (like bricks!) but at least this team was always in the hunt to win a title every season for the past decade. That's deserving of an extension.
Rest of the Links: Globe: Bogar learning from new boss | Lavarnway makes progress for Sox | Herald: Pedroia mentors Iglesias | From sandlot to Game 7 | Lavarnway likely to Pawsox | CSNNE: Ciriaco, Padilla continue strong springs | Buchholz hasn't felt anything negative from back | Sox hope new blueprint works for starters | Bobby V: "Don't count on three catchers"
