Bye, Theo.

In a shocking development, Theo Epstein has resigned as General Manager of the Red Sox. It was reported in the newspapers that Theo was about to come to an agreement with the Sox that would pay him $4.5 million over three years. Theo rejected the contract offer and is leaving the team in the next few days.

Theo was one of us, right? He grew up in Brookline and ended up with ultimate dream job at the tender age of 28, then won the World Series last year. He had Thanksgiving dinner with the Schillings and traded Nomar. How could he leave?

But he did. And of course, the speculation runs rampant. Here are my theories:

- There was obviously some friction between Sox CEO Larry Lucchino and Theo. Lucchino "discovered" Epstein as a young intern in 1992. It seems that Theo wanted more control over the team and Lucchino didn't want to give up that control.

- Theo was tired of living in a fishbowl. I'm sure the guy couldn't go anywhere without people wanting autographs, suggesting trades and constantly invading his space. It's got to wear on him, and he may have just decided that he had enough. Being a GM in another town that isn't quite so obsessive about baseball might be what he wants.

Of course, this couldn't come at a worse time. The General Manager meetings are next week. Manny wants to be traded (again). There are free agents to be dealt with, not the least of which is Johnny Damon. The pitching staff needs work. There is a lot to do and Theo suddenly isn't around to do it anymore.

It's going to be interesting to see what happens over the next few days.