NEW YORK - Five days after Craig Breslow's working relationship with Theo Epstein was called into question, the chief baseball officer is offering his perspective.
Standing in the visitors' dugout prior to the Red Sox's series-opening game against the Yankees, Breslow spoke to WEEI.com about a much-talked-about line in a recent Boston Globe article that read, "Theo Epstein has been disappointed by the Sox’s intense analytical direction under Breslow, multiple league sources said."
It was a premise that spawned plenty of speculation, much of it suggesting there was a growing chasm between Breslow and Epstein, who has been working with the Red Sox as an advisor while also owning a stake in the team.
"I have a great relationship with Theo," Breslow said. "A longstanding relationship with him. Obviously, a ton of respect for what he has accomplished in this role. And also, we have the type of relationship where I don't make a ton out of media reports because I know if Theo thinks there is something we can do better, if we need to strike a better balance, and need to recalibrate, he's going to pick up the phone and call and have the conversation directly."
So, does that mean Breslow that there is currently a healthy dynamic between the two?
"Absolutely," he said. "Yeah."
While the former Cubs president and two-time world champion general manager with the Red Sox certainly isn't involved in the day-to-day operations and decision-making of the Sox, he has been present alongside Breslow during key moments such as the winter meetings and the trade deadline.
The two executives previously worked together in Chicago, with Breslow helping to run the Cubs' pitching program during the final years of Epstein's tenure there.
"I think there are a few different types of conversations that we have," Breslow said. "Some about specific players. Profiles. Evaluations. Some more about leadership approaches and strategies, and how he might handle certain situations, and he has handled situations a lot like the ones I have faced. I lean on him for all of those things, and I appreciate the perspective and the expertise he supplies."
Breslow finished the conversation by reiterating that he sensed no disconnect or frustration involving the pair.
"Not from me, no," he said.
