Theo Epstein Feeding the Red Sox Machine Through MLB Draft

When Theo Epstein was named general manager of the Boston Red Sox on Nov. 25, 2002, his goal was to turn the Red Sox into an "Organizational Machine" that competes for a championship every year while also developing a farm system that feeds players into the major leagues.

Not an easy task.

However, in the last seven years the Red Sox have won two World Series and have developed a farm system that has been one of the best in baseball.

Many deem the MLB draft not as important as that in the NBA, NFL, or even the NHL because there are so many rounds, and the majority of the players drafted don’t even make it to the majors.

Not Theo Epstein. For Epstein and his staff, it all starts with the draft.

Take a look at some the players Epstein has drafted from 2002-2006.

2002: Jon Lester, Brandon Moss
2003: Jonathan Papelbon, David Murphy
2004: Dustin Pedroia
2005: Clay Buchholz, Craig Hansen, Michael Bowden, Jed Lowrie, Jacoby Ellsbury
2006: Daniel Bard, Justin Masterson, Lars Anderson, Matt LaPorta (LaPorta was drafted by the Red Sox but didn’t sign.)

That, my friends, is one heck of a track record when it comes to the draft.

It looks like Epstein has used the draft as his own personal playground. This list doesn’t even include players that the Red Sox have developed in their farm system over the last seven years—players like Hanley Ramirez and Kevin Youkilis.

Even Craig Hansen and Brandon Moss, who were some of the Red Sox's lesser prospects, were used as trade bait in the deal for Jason Bay last year.

How did Theo and company do in the 2009 draft?

One of the foremost authorities, Keith Law, held a live chat Wednesday. Henry from Columbus asked Law this question:

“Since you don’t do grades, care to give a team you thought has had the best draft so far? Just one team...”

Here is Law’s response:

"Red Sox."

The Red Sox keep feeding the machine—that’s why the draft matters to Theo Epstein and the Boston Red Sox.

On a side note, we as baseball fans know there is nothing better than sitting down to watch a baseball game with a cold beer and some great food. There are two really good cooking sites that I go to if I want to make something quick for the game.

Check out Hartley Confections and The Gourmet Dude. Both offer great recipes that are simple and easy to make for any baseball fan.

Enjoy.