Reaction

The former GM

''I gave my entire heart and soul to the organization. During the process leading up to today's decision, I came to the conclusion that I can no longer do so. In the end, my choice is the right one not only for me, but for the Red Sox." -- Theo Epstein

The Red Sox

''You don't get better losing a guy like Theo. It's obviously going to be an incredibly unpopular decision with the players. But we'll show up in spring training and get ready for the season and try to win another World Series. It's not like we're going to have a sit-down." -- Curt Schilling

The fans

''It's bad because Theo was an asset to the team. I don't think that they thought very wisely to let him go. I don't know who's going to come in and replace him." -- Nino Piatzia, North End

''I think it's unfortunate for the team that he and Larry [Lucchino] couldn't work it out. I think they're going to miss [Epstein] because he brought in a lot of good players." -- Spencer Pollock, Northbridge

''I think they'll survive. They have to move on; they've changed people before." -- Larry Miranda, Quincy