Tek may be a brilliant dark horse candidate to replace Brad Mills. He is highly organized and could run ST, he would have good advice for Theo and John in terms of utilzing and removing pitchers. He gets it. As Theo's "assistant", the respect of players would be useful. Historically, his status as All-Star, GG, Captain and link to 2004 and 2007 would, 10-20 years from now would bridge generations. It's the kind of creative move that would help the Sox in 2010, bolster Tek's ego, neturalize Bora$$, bring us a great young catcher (Montero? Wagner? Expo?), and segue Tek into a high level of coaching with the Sox; Boston's Yogi, where he belongs.

He is highly organized so could probably run ST. The players respect him and, as "Ass't" manager, wouldn't have Girardi's baggage Girardi of going from player to manager. . He has historic linkage to '04 and '07, plus a personal history of GG,, All Star, Captain so, in the Sox system in 10 – 20 years he would carry that gravitas. He could work with the bullpen coach, and have excellent input for Tito about utilizing pitchers. It's a big enough job to assuage ego issues, and fast-track him into management circles, perhaps replacing Tito.down the road. Part of his job description could be "catcher development". IMO, it's a great idea .

it reminds me of the saying "you can't polish a turd." by that i mean if you have a crappy roster no matter who is posting the line-up card it typically doesn't lead to 'extra' wins.

i hope he isn't looking for a job in a year and a half.

Put it this way: have the Patriots fallen off the map when Weis, Crennel, Mangini, Pioli, or McDaniels departed? I think the Sox have a similar approach to building and maintaining a quality franchise. Brad Mills will be missed — and frankly, I think he's a little nuts to take the Astros job, what with Drayton McLane's meddlesomeness — but the organization will stay on course.