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Your Morning Dump...Where Epstein and Schilling can't make the celebration

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.

"I hope tomorrow is a great day for Red Sox fans and for the whole organization," Epstein said. "I have plans to be at the Cubs game tomorrow, but I will take a moment to toast Fenway along with everyone else who loves that ballpark."

On Thursday morning, principal owner John Henry -- en route to Boston from Great Britain -- was surprised at the original omission.al owner John Henry, who said he was unaware of the decision until contacted by a reporter.

"Apparently we decided to just invite uniformed personnel," said Henry, noting that the team hadn't invited Port and Duquette, either.

CSNNE : Update: Sox send Epstein an invitation, but he can't attend

The invitation to Theo and no other surviving Sox GM does not surprise me at all. Ownership still has a love affair with the "Boy Wonder" and could care less about anyone else. Sure, forget about Duquette and the crap he did. It's not like he did anything around here, Manny Ramirez and Pedro Martinez just showed up on Fenway's front steps and were looking for a place to call home.

Is Ben Cherington invited to the celebration? They might have used his invitation on Theo.

Here is an excerpt from Curt Schilling explaining his absense from the celebration...

I apologize that business at 38 Studios has made my participation in the 100th anniversary of Fenway Park impossible. Please understand that should in no way indicate my love and passion for Red Sox Nation. There was no greater feeling than standing on that mound, in that park, in front of you fans. The memories I was honored to be a part of, from David’s walk off HR in the 2004 ALDS, to going 4-0 in World Series games in that park, to the true honor of wearing that uniform every single day is something I am blessed to have, and will never forget. (...)

WEEI: A message from Curt Schilling regarding Fenway Park's celebration

It is too bad that he can't make the celebration. I also feel for him because he is going to miss the fun and not be able to hang out with his best buddy, Bobby Valentine. Don't worry, Curt, there will be plenty more opportunities for you and Bobby to hang out.

On Page 2, Bobby is ready for the Yankees

Duquette shows interest in Manny, again

We can't compare this to the year 2000, but Dan Duquette is showing interest in Manny Ramirez. The man who signed Manny to a monster deal 12 years ago could be Manny's ticket back to the majors with the Orioles. That is if Dan Duquette decides to take it beyond the "exploring the options" stage.

MLB.com

Duquette -- fresh off a morning trade with the Rockies that netted pitchers Jason Hammel and Matt Lindstrom in exchange for veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie -- confirmed the Orioles' long-rumored interest in Ramirez and said that the team had watched him work out.

"We are still considering the composition of this club, and some of the challenges of integrating a player like Manny into our ballclub and market," said Duquette, who as general manager of the Red Sox signed Ramirez to an eight-year, $160 million contract in December 2000.

How nice would that be, Ramirez and Duquette reunited again. Too bad Manny will miss the first 50 games if he does return to the majors as a result of the violation of the league's drug policy. Duquette may be down-playing his interest in Manny, but more likely just doing as he said, and exploring.

If Manny does return to the majors he will be 40 when his suspension is completed. Not very appealing, but team looking to sell a few extra tickets may entertain the idea. That might be a stretch, there is not much appeal in Ramirez anymore.

Your Morning Dump... where Dan Duquette has a second chance to run a team.

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

According to the Associated Press, the Baltimore Orioles have signed Dan Duquette to a three-year deal to become the GM.

Duquette, 53, has been out of baseball since being fired by the Red Sox in 2002. The Massachusetts native, whose Red Sox tenure was marked with both success and rancor, is expected to be introduced today.

Duquette faces a major challenge. Baltimore has not had a winning season since 1997 and has not won more than 70 games since 2006. Owner Peter Angelos is viewed as a meddler while most believe that manager Buck Showalter holds all the power in terms of baseball operations.

The Orioles are clearly behind the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays in terms of major league talent and prospects. But Duquette finally gets another chance to make his mark on a major league franchise.

It's amazing that Duquette gets a GM job just a few weeks after one of his protégés, Ben Cherington, is named GM of he Red Sox. It was Duquette who hired Cherington in 1999 as an amateur scout.

Globe:Duquette agrees to be O's GM

This is a tough one to see. Duquette made some great moves during his tenure in Boston. He drafted Nomar, traded for Pedro, and signed Manny. He turned Heathcliff Slocumb into Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe. He left Theo and the new ownership with a good amount of prospects to acquire Josh Beckett, Mike Lowell, and Coco Crisp. He was a local kid who got his dream job and may have been here a bit too long as fans and the media turned on him. (Sounds familiar.)

I don't know how he can turn around the Orioles. Unless he can find another Pedro Martinez, it's going to be impossible to get ahead of the Yankees, Rays, Sox, and Blue Jays. But he's been more than qualified for this job and he can put together a solid core of players. It's crazy to see that it's taking nine years for a team to give Duquette another crack at being a general manager considering he has a knack for finding talent...like our new GM.

(Photo:firebrandal.com)

Rest of the links: Globe:Streets use a sweet for Red Sox|Crawford next batting champ?|Herald:Duquette finally gets another shot|CSNNE:Page Sox weren't prepared|Duquette named O's GM|WEEI:Wondering what these managerial interview are like|Sox accountability unbelievably lacking|Duquette be named GM of Orioles

Dan Duquette is back in the scene

Dan Duquette has been out of baseball since being fired by John Henry when he bought the team in 2002. Tomorrow he will make his effort to get back into the majors when he will interview with the Orioles for their GM position.

Dan Duquette will need a lot of help to turn that organization around, such as money, that would be a good start. The Orioles have not had a winning season since 1997 and seven winning seasons since their World Series title in '83. I could go on, but I don't want to keep you up all night.

If Duquette does get the job, we can count on the Orioles to do nothing next season, as usual.