Craig Breslow, the new Red Sox chief baseball officer

He is experienced

Alex Speier has a new column today in today’s Boston Globe, Above all else, Craig Breslow has been a problem solver — on the mound and in the front office. The column, like most everything Alex writes, is terrific. I know a bit about outstanding baseball writing in the Boston Globe, having had the honor and the privilege of working with Nick Cafardo, Peter Gammons, Dan Shaughnessy, and my writing partner and close friend, the legendary Bob Ryan (to drop a few names). Alex Speier will join them in that pantheon of greatness.

Breslow is relatively new to the ranks of baseball executives but seems to be well-suited for this job. For one thing, the guy is effing brilliant (I have yet to decide whether I will be using NSFW language). He went to Yale and studied molecular biophysics and biochemistry as an undergraduate. I, on the other hand, watched the TV show A.P. Bio. In addition, he has been blessed by Theo Epstein, as enjoyably explained by Dan Shaughnessy

Breslow also realizes that getting this gig with the Red Sox is a no-brainer for him. For one thing, veteran executives had no interest in working in the dysfunctional Sox front office. Why work in the environment where one will soon be fired for doing what you are supposed to do (win World Championships)? Why work in environment where the current manager (Alex Cora) seems to have more power than any manager since Connie Mack, who owned the frickin’ team? Why work for an owner (John Henry) who is more interested in buying additional sports franchises than in spending money to improve his crown jewel? Why work for a franchise that has finished last two seasons in a row and is in much worse shape than their fans care to admit?

Why do that? Because if Breslow succeeds he will be able to shape the direction of his future. If he fails, dude, it’s really not his fault.

Is he experienced?

In 12 seasons in the majors, he was part of all the things a GM needs to know how to do. Craig Breslow, has been moderately maligned for his lack of experience in the details of being a GM. While he may not have the knowledge when sitting behind the desk, I think we are underestimating the knowledge he acquired as a player.

Let me share:

The Draft

·      June 4, 2002: Breslow was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 26th round of the 2002 amateur draft.

Releasing players

·      July 6, 2004: Breslow was released by the Milwaukee Brewers.

·      July 18, 2016: Breslow was released by the Miami Marlins.

·      August 7, 2016: Breslow was released by the Texas Rangers.

·      July 29, 2017: Breslow was released by the Minnesota Twins.

·      March 24, 2018: Breslow was released by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Free agent signings

·      March 3, 2005: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the San Diego Padres.

·      February 4, 2006: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.

·      January 7, 2015: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Boston Red Sox.

·      February 15, 2016: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Miami Marlins.

·      July 27, 2016: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Texas Rangers.

·      February 9, 2017: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Minnesota Twins.

·      August 7, 2017: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Cleveland Indians.

·      February 12, 2018: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Toronto Blue Jays.

·      April 3, 2018: Breslow signed as a Free Agent with the Toronto Blue Jays.

Granting free agency

·      December 21, 2005: Breslow was granted Free Agency.

·      October 30, 2014: Breslow was granted Free Agency.

·      November 2, 2015: Breslow was granted Free Agency.

·      November 2, 2017: Breslow was granted Free Agency.

·      November 2, 2018: Granted Free Agency.

The Waiver Wire

·      March 23, 2008: Breslow was selected off waivers by the Cleveland Indians from the Boston Red Sox.

·      May 29, 2008: Breslow was selected off waivers by the Minnesota Twins from the Cleveland Indians.

·      May 20, 2009: Breslow was selected off waivers by the Oakland Athletics from the Minnesota Twins.

Trades

·      December 9, 2011: Breslow was traded by the Oakland Athletics with Trevor Cahill and cash to the Arizona Diamondbacks for Ryan Cook, Collin Cowgill, and Jarrod Parker.

·      July 31, 2012: Breslow was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Boston Red Sox for Matt Albers and Scott Podsednik.

Good luck, Craig. Amongst all those currently in charge in the Red Sox organization. I truly hope that you are the last one standing.